GRAND ISLAND, Neb. – The metal band Metallica – yes, that band Metallica – is renewing its partnership with a Central Nebraska community college.

For the fourth consecutive year, Central Community College is receiving an invitation to take part in the All Within My Hands’ (AWMH) Metallica Scholars Initiative.

AWMH is the nonprofit, philanthropic organization created by members and management of Metallica.

Launched in 2019 by AWMH in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), the initiative has invested over $10.5 million in the American workforce, reaffirming a commitment to career and technical education at the local level.

CCC will continue to receive funding to enhance career and technical education programs.

“When we launched the Metallica Scholars Initiative, it really spoke to me. A collective goal of breaking the stigma of trade skills,” said James “Papa Het” Hetfield, Metallica lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist. “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. I am so proud – we all are – to see how this program is changing lives by providing much-needed resources to empower students, and it’s great that we’re able to make our biggest grant yet to support these students and the future workforce.”

CCC is one of 60 Metallica Initiative institutions in the United States and the Guam territory, and is the only one in the state of Nebraska.

“Central Community College is honored to be the only Nebraska college with a Metallica Scholars program, now supporting students enrolled in criminal justice at our program locations in Columbus, Grand Island, Hastings and Kearney as well as online throughout our area and state,” said CCC President Dr. Matt Gotschall. “We look forward to continuing to learn from and support this national scholar’s network.”

By the end of year six, AWMH estimates that the initiative will have helped more than 8,000 students with a wide range of backgrounds and ages to gain skills to assist in finding meaningful jobs and careers