We already know Metallica rocks, but now the heavy metal band is earning even greater respect in Grand Rapids for a $100,000 gift it’s giving to Grand Rapids Community College.
GRCC is one of 10 colleges selected nationwide for the Metallica Scholars grant, through the band’s All Within My Hands Foundation. GRCC will use the funding to launch an intensive welding program targeted toward nontraditional students that takes less time to complete than traditional courses.
GRCC will partner with local employers so students can participate in site visits, employee panels and mentoring to help them determine if welding is a good fit for their career goals. Each student will participate in individualized career-preparation with GRCC to ensure they are job ready upon completion of their welding license.
“All of us in the band feel fortunate that music has provided us the opportunity to be successful doing something we are passionate about,” said Lars Ulrich, Metallica’s co-founder and drummer. “We want to share our success with others so that they can find a job where they can do the same.”
The band’s All Within My Hands Foundation has teamed up with the American Association of Community Colleges on the project, aimed at providing workforce training for community college students and reinvesting in cities where the band has toured.
Metallica established the All Within My Hands Foundation in 2017 to invest in the people and places that have supported the band. The foundation previously supported efforts to fight hunger and provide emergency community aid, and is expanding its mission to include support for career and technical education.
Metallica is appearing at the Van Andel Arena on March 13.
*Photo courtesy of Metallica
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