Middlesex Community College is proud to announce it has once again been asked to participate in the eighth year of the prestigious Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI). Supported by a generous $15,000 grant aimed at enhancing training in soldering and electronics, MCC’s program provides students with the skills needed to enter Computer Aided Design (CAD) Technician and Engineering Technician jobs. As a five-time MSI participant, MCC has received $15,000 in support of career and technical education programs throughout the initiative's existence.
“Thank you to Metallica’s Foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), for their continued generosity and partnership,” said Judy Burke, MCC’s Vice President, Institutional Advancement and Workforce Development. “For five years now, AWMH has had a strong and meaningful impact on our students, offering them funds and resources for hands-on technical training in in-demand fields. With AWMH’s support, MCC has prepared students to work at employer partners throughout the region, guiding them to reach their goals and improve their lives. We are forever grateful for all that AWMH has provided to our MCC students.”
AWMH, the nonprofit, philanthropic organization created by the members and management of Metallica, proudly announces the eighth year of its Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) with its largest grant to date: over $3.3M. 18 new US schools will join the returning 75 colleges in the fall for a total of 93 in the program. In addition, later this year, the Metallica Scholars Initiative will also expand to the United Kingdom in partnership with Capital City College Group in London.
Metallica’s James Hetfield said, “This thing started as a dream. Now our program is changing lives. To expand our impact on a global scale and support even more students is so rewarding. We’re so proud of all the Metallica Scholars who have come through it and all the ones who will participate in it. It’s humbling to know we’ve been part of the journey of thousands of trade professionals doing good, hard work in the world.” 
AWMH continues to work closely with its long-time partner, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). Launched in 2019 by All Within My Hands, MSI’s core focus is supporting conventional trades, including welders, plumbers, and electricians, while also adding fields that will generate the jobs of tomorrow. The workforce initiative continues to evolve, supporting diverse fields for students interested in gaining the skills and training necessary to establish meaningful careers that provide family-sustaining wages. Year 8 includes a wide range of fields, including nursing and healthcare, optical systems technology, automotive repair, maritime manufacturing, firefighting and EMT, pipefitting, and agricultural pathways.
Dr. DeRionne P. Pollard, President and CEO, AACC, said, “The continued growth of the Metallica Scholars Initiative is a powerful testament to what’s possible when visionary philanthropy and community colleges come together around a shared mission.  Through this partnership, 13,000 community college students have already been supported across the country, earning the skills needed for in- demand careers with family-sustaining wages. This latest, generous investment by Metallica’s foundation will reach more learners, while strengthening the workforce pipelines that power local economies. We are proud to partner with All Within My Hands to scale this impact, ensuring even more students have access to life-changing opportunities in the skilled trades and beyond.”
The initiative’s eighth iteration also marks the renewal of AWMH’s partnerships with Carhartt, Wolverine, CNH Construction, and Upstaging, Inc., as well as the addition of the Foundation’s newest partner, ServiceTitan. These corporate partners complement the Foundation’s Executive and Advisory Board Members and the broader Metallica Family, all of whom have played a role in advancing AWMH’s mission and driving its success.
Peter Delgrosso, Executive Director, AWMH, said, “Metallica Scholars Year 8 will see our largest-scale growth yet, as we anticipate supporting close to 4,000 new students in the United States and more than 1,000 learners in the UK. This represents an approximate 40% increase in our student body, something we are incredibly excited about. Supporting people of all ages entering and ascending through trades is the right thing to do, not just domestically, but also abroad. Our Metallica Scholars have demonstrated resilience and a strong determination to succeed, which in turn motivates us to match their ambition.”

For a complete list of all 93 colleges currently supported by AWMH, visit allwithinmyhands.org/metallica-scholars.

To help support the needs of students in and outside of the classroom, Middlesex Community College’s Wellness Resource Center (WRC) offers a variety of free, confidential services and resources. Middlesex hired Isabelle Hanley as the new Essential Needs Specialist to strengthen MCC’s support network, expand student access to essential needs resources, and build partnerships throughout the community.
“For students, this means greater access to food, wellness services, and community resources that can help remove barriers to success,” Hanley said. “For the college, it supports retention, engagement, and overall student wellbeing. For the broader community, it creates opportunities for collaboration and strengthens connections between MCC and local organizations working to support residents across the region.”
Students can access free food across MCC’s Bedford and Lowell campuses. The fully stocked Owl Market food pantries have fresh, frozen and shelf-stable foods, including weekly fresh produce delivered by partner organizations. MCC also offers Grab ‘n Go Healthy Food stations with snacks and microwavable meals. Through a partnership with World Food Movement, Middlesex provides free hot lunches Monday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters.
In addition to offering one-on-one counseling and wellness coaching, Middlesex students can also schedule Essential Needs appointments for assistance navigating resources and addressing barriers. Hanley and the WRC team are available to provide information related to housing, transportation, technology and childcare. Working on these initiatives brings together what she has learned throughout her career and education.
“I have been drawn to work that combines organizing programming with education and outreach,” Hanley said. “I have always been motivated by the opportunity to help people thrive. Essential needs work feels like a natural extension of those interests because it allows me to support students in practical and meaningful ways while helping remove barriers to their success.”
Before coming to MCC, Hanley worked at the Princeton Blairstown Center managing educational and outdoor programming for students to learn and practice social emotional skills. She also oversaw an organic permaculture garden space, mentored staff, and strengthened skills in program development, relationship building, and creating welcoming spaces for people to learn, grow and connect. Earning a bachelor’s degree from UMass Amherst in public health, she focused on sustainable agriculture and environmental science.
Hanley spent a year at the University of Montana in the Wilderness and Civilization Program and the PEAS Farm, inspiring her interest in the outdoors, food production, education and community building. Passionate about using gardens as a tool for education and connection, she hopes MCC’s Bedford Community Garden can provide opportunities to promote learning, wellness and a sense of belonging for students.
“Throughout my career, I have worked to increase access to healthy food while helping people better understand where their food comes from,” Hanley said. “I am excited to continue expanding opportunities for students to engage with gardening, sustainability, and local food systems at MCC.”
In the Fall 2026 semester, the WRC team will offer wellness fairs, educational programs, and stress relief activities. Hanley looks forward to meeting students and connecting them with resources to be successful.
“Student success is about more than academics, and I was excited to join an institution that recognizes the importance of addressing essential needs and overall wellness,” she said. “I was also drawn to MCC's strong sense of community and the opportunity to continue stewarding spaces that bring people together.”