Metallica’s foundation supports SLCC’s Surgical Technology program with financial support for faculty, equipment, administrative costs and student scholarships.
Salt Lake City, Utah, September 19, 2023—Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands, has invited Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) to return for another year of grant funding that will support SLCC’s Surgical Technology Program. Nationwide, the demand for skilled workers in this career field is high, with 8,600 openings for surgical technologists projected over the next decade.
“With the help of community colleges across the country, we are helping people fill these essential jobs,” said Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich.
The Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) was launched in 2019 by Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). MSI supports 42 community colleges across 33 states, and by the end of this year, it will have helped over 6,000 students pursuing careers in various high-demand vocations. To date, Metallica has invested over $6 million in the American workforce.
At SLCC, the Metallica Scholars Initiative translates to $150,000 over two years through student scholarships in the surgical technology program. The funds from MSI have increased accessibility in the program for low-income, minority and first-generation students. Of the students who participated in the surgical technology program during the 2022-2023 school year, 86% were first-generation students, and 40% were from minority populations.
“These funds have proven to be invaluable for so many students,” said Angela Belnap, SLCC associate dean of Health Sciences. “The scholarships provide for students who may not otherwise have the opportunity. It allows them to focus on school and work toward bettering their career opportunities and, with it, their lives and the lives of their families.”
A former student, Paige, credits the rigorous surgical technology program at SLCC for preparing her for her “dream job” at the University of Utah Hospital and the Metallica scholarship with the financial support to make it possible. “Getting the Metallica scholarship greatly relieved my financial burden and allowed me to continue my education,” she said.
“Ultimately, the impact is felt locally and nationally as Metallica Scholars enter the workforce and fill in-demand technical positions,” said Peter Delgrosso, AWMH executive director.
ABOUT AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES (AACC)
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 (AWMH)
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.
ABOUT SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (SLCC)
Salt Lake Community College is Utah’s largest two-year college, proudly educating the state’s most diverse student body in 8 areas of study at 9 locations and online. The majority of SLCC graduates transfer to four-year institutions, and thousands more are trained in direct-to-workforce programs. In 2023, SLCC is celebrating 75 years of providing Utahns with education and training in fields that contribute to the state’s vibrant economy and high quality of life.
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