The Story Behind AWMH
Metallica Lineworker Student Stories
The Columbia State Community College Office of Workforce and Continuing Education recently hosted a Pre-Apprentice Lineworker Academy Mini-Rodeo that allowed students to demonstrate the skills they learned during the seven-week program. The entire cohort of 12 students was fully funded through scholarships, including five scholarships that were awarded through a grant from the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI). MSI was launched in 2019 by Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) to provide workforce opportunities for students interested in gaining the skills and training necessary to find meaningful and well-paying careers in fields and positions. Columbia State is the first community college in Tennessee to receive an MSI grant.
For more information about the program, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Lineworker. Upcoming cohorts are scheduled for 2024. All individuals interested in the program should register through the link and it will place them on a contact list for future classes. Scholarships, including Metallica Scholars Initiative, will be available for spring, and interested participants can sign up for the contact list at www.campusce.net/columbiastate/course/course.aspx?catld=6.
ABOUT AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES
As the voice of the nation’s community colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges leads, advocates, and advances the nation’s community colleges. Uniquely American, community colleges deliver educational and economic opportunities for more than 10 million diverse students annually. Dedicated to access and success for all students, AACC’s member colleges provide an on-ramp to degree attainment, skilled careers, and family-supporting wages. Located in Washington, DC, AACC advocates for these not-for-profit, public-serving institutions to ensure they have the resources and support to increase economic mobility for all.
ABOUT ALL WITHIN MY HANDS
All Within My Hands was established in 2017 by Metallica to invest in the people and places that have supported the band. It also allows Metallica’s fans to engage in philanthropy and volunteerism. The Foundation is dedicated to creating sustainable communities through workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services. All expenses of the Foundation are covered by the band, the board, and a few special friends so that 100% of donations go to the organizations it supports. AWMH is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Carter Housch
I had just graduated from Columbia State with an associates degree and I had no idea what I wanted to do. I was interested in the Pre-Apprentice Lineworker program, so I checked into it. I saved up all my money from working in the summer to pay for the program, but I would be on a fixed spend limit. I live about 45 minutes from Columbia State and most of what I’d saved to get through the program would be for gas and lunch. So my first question was “is there any financial aid available?” The Metallica Scholars Initiative gave me an opportunity to enroll in the program with minimal out-of-pocket expenses. As a Metallica Scholar I learned so much and gained a ton of experience. The certifications I have now from this program, CDL, OSHA, pole climbing will help me land an electrical utility distribution job at a local company. This will offer me stability, financial gains, and a retirement plan, none of which I’d have without Metallica Scholars.
Grant Knoll
If not for Metallica Scholars, I would not be here today telling my story because this program would not have been possible. After high school I was doing warehouse work with no plan B. This program taught me a lot and I’ve gained knowledge that I’ll hopefully bring to a union job in the field. I went from knowing nothing to being ready for an apprenticeship in two months. This scholarship helped me spend money towards other stuff in the program and necessities. Thank you Metallica and the All Within My Hands Foundation for this opportunity!
Tanner Westmoreland
This program and Metallica Scholars is a huge stepping stone for me. I enjoyed this program. It builds character and I’ve met great friends. I want to start working as soon as possible, using my knowledge to do good and make a good living. Not everyone can climb a pole and I’m proud of myself for learning that and the improvements I made throughout the course. This program is not cheap and I didn’t have income while going to the school since I couldn’t work, so this scholarship was a huge help. If I could, I’d climb a pole and play a Metallica song, singing it to them to show my thanks!
Jacob Harden
My experience with this program and as a Metallica Scholar has been great. This scholarship helped me further my education and training. The program builds character and teaches skills few people have. I would shake the bands’ hands if I could to thank them for their support and this opportunity.
Craig Delk
I’d just graduated from high school and was working a maintenance job over the summer. I am one of four children, with an older sibling in college. Metallica Scholars took some of the financial burden off my parents and gave me the chance to get in this program and take what I’ve learned to get a good job, hopefully with TVPPA. I absolutely recommend this program and hope that Metallica Scholars will be available for other students.