Heavy metal scholars, step right up

North Idaho College students will once again benefit from the band Metallica’s philanthropic efforts in support of educational programs offering pathways to careers in the trades.

NIC is the recipient of a $25,000 Metallica Scholars Initiative grant that will help the college provide more than $50,000 in scholarships to students in NIC trades and industry programs in the coming academic year. The NIC Foundation is helping match the $25,000 grant, which NIC was selected to receive through a competitive process involving community colleges from across the nation.

Funded by the heavy metal band’s All Within My Hands Foundation and led by the American Association of Community Colleges, the Metallica Scholars Initiative provides direct support to students while elevating the importance and dignity of career and technical education.

“We’re thrilled to continue this tremendous partnership,” said NIC President Rick MacLennan. “We will be able to help more students overcome obstacles and challenges that would keep them from achieving their educational goals and excelling in the workforce.”

James Hetfield, Metallica’s vocalist/guitarist and co-founder said, “As a touring entity we are in direct involvement with multiple essential career choices along our path. From electrical, professional driving, culinary, mechanical maintenance, public safety, logistical organizers. And that just scratches the surface. Those, along with a multitude of other technical careers, make our touring and our performances possible. We are passionate and grateful to these trades and tradespeople.”

In the first year of the Metallica Scholars Initiative, NIC was one of just 10 schools nationwide selected to receive $100,000 to support students in manufacturing programs. Last year, the college received a $50,000 grant that was matched by the NIC Foundation.

“Being selected to continue into our third year of the Metallica Scholars Initiative is great news for NIC trades students,” said Patrick O’Halloran, NIC director of Work-Based Learning. “We will once again be able to help students in need of funds for tools, books, transportation and child care.”

Through the partnership between the NIC Foundation and Metallica’s All Within My Hands foundation, 110 NIC trades students have received scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 over the past two years.

All Within My Hands was established in 2017 by Metallica as a means to invest in the people and places that have supported the band. It also provides a mechanism for Metallica’s fans to become engaged in philanthropy and volunteerism. The foundation is focused on supporting sustainable communities through workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services, and is fully supported by the band, the AWMH board and fans. All expenses of the Foundation are covered by the band, the board, and a few special friends, so 100% of donations go to the organizations it supports. AWMH is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. For more information, please visit www.allwithinmyhands.org.

As the voice of the nation’s community colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges, delivers educational and economic opportunity for nearly 12 million diverse students in search of the American Dream. Uniquely dedicated to access and success for all students, AACC’s 1,040 member colleges provide an on-ramp to degree attainment, skilled careers and family-supporting wages. Located in Washington, D.C., AACC advocates for these not-for-profit, public-serving institutions to ensure they have the resources and support they need to deliver on the mission of increasing economic mobility for all.

Visit nic.edu/metallica for more information about the Metallica Scholars Initiative at NIC.

Current NIC students in the trades and industry programs and new students planning to attend in the fall can visit nic.edu/scholarships to apply for scholarships now.