For the second year in a row, Aiken Technical College has been selected for a large grant from the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI). The college will receive $50,000 to continue supporting students enrolled in its computer technology and cybersecurity programs and courses.
Once again, Aiken Tech is the only South Carolina institution selected for the MSI program. Last year’s grant supported over 100 students by providing scholarship funding for those enrolled in the college’s CompTIA’s A+, Network+, and Security+ courses and covering industry certification exam costs for computer technology students.
Of those served, 14 percent were dual enrollment students, and 5 percent were veterans or military dependents.
“The importance of a skilled IT workforce continues to be highlighted as our world becomes increasingly dependent on technology. MSI supports our mission of providing educational and workforce development opportunities by removing financial barriers for students seeking to earn critical industry certifications. We have also been able to highlight the educational opportunities for those seeking to build or advance their IT skills,” said Aiken Tech President, Dr. Forest E. Mahan. “We are thankful for All Within My Hands for their continued advocacy for technical education and workforce development.”
Launched in 2019, MSI was developed by All Within My Hands, the non-profit, philanthropic organization created by the members and management of Metallica, in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges. MSI began with 10 colleges and primarily manufacturing programs with a focus on creating diverse workforce opportunities for students.
To date, AWMH has invested over $10.5M in the American workforce, reaffirming a commitment to career and technical education at the local level.
“When we launched the Metallica Scholars Initiative, it really spoke to me. A collective goal of breaking the stigma of trade skills. Trade skills are vital to society, and what’s even more important is to support the many folks who are trying to create a career by learning and using these skills. We are reaching even further for year six of the Metallica Scholars Initiative. This year, our program will be in 60 schools in all 50 states,” said Metallica’s James Hetfield.
By the end of year six, AWMH estimates that it will have helped more than 8,000 students with a wide range of backgrounds and ages gain skills to assist in finding meaningful jobs and careers. Metallica Scholars are often considered non-traditional students, as many have families they support or are the first in their families to pursue a college education.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means! If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
