(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Some Texas State Technical College students were excited to learn that their careers were aided by a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band.
TSTC’s Sweetwater campus is part of All Within My Hands’ Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI). All Within My Hands is the nonprofit and philanthropic organization created by members and management of Metallica.
Several TSTC students in Sweetwater were awarded MSI scholarships, and some, like Case Harris and David Lujan, were loaned toolboxes to help them begin their college educations. TSTC uses portions of the MSI grant to purchase items for a lending library, including toolboxes and tools for Automotive Technology and Diesel Equipment Technology students. This semester, 13 TSTC students have been loaned Metallica toolboxes.
“Being able to provide tools for students makes it easier for them to begin their college journey,” GaBrielle Mallet, TSTC’s associate provost of the Sweetwater campus, said. “The Metallica Scholars Initiative is focused on helping students be successful in the workforce. Many of our students did not have to worry about the expense of tools to get started toward a great-paying job.”
Lujan, of Sweetwater, said having Metallica support his decision to begin a career as an automotive technician inspired him.
“I was able to save a lot of money my first semester because Metallica believes in helping students,” he said. “I am very appreciative of the band’s support of people wanting to work in the trade industries. Being able to have a toolbox through this program took stress off of me as I began school.”
Harris, of Roby, is a fan of the band. He said he would not be able to stay on pace in the Diesel Equipment Technology program had the lending program not been available.
“Coming from a low-income family, I did not know what I was going to do without tools,” he said. “I am impressed the band is supporting young people to flourish in their chosen career.”
Launched in 2019 by All Within My Hands, in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges, MSI began with 10 colleges and primarily manufacturing programs. MSI offers diverse workforce opportunities for students interested in gaining the skills and training necessary to find meaningful and well-paying careers. Now in its sixth year, MSI has a presence in 60 colleges across all 50 states and in the territory of Guam.
By the end of year six, All Within My Hands 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 careers.
Registration for TSTC’s spring semester is underway. To learn more, visit tstc.edu.
