The Metallica Scholars Initiative is an exceptional program focused on workforce education that has proven to be a galvanizing force across the community college ecosystem.
Metallica keeps on rocking Milwaukee Area Technical College.
The world famous band continues to support and advance careers in “heavy metal” manufacturing fields, such as automotive/diesel technology, truck driving, computerized manufacturing, HVAC and welding offered at MATC.
In July 2022, MATC was selected from a competitive field of community colleges across the country to receive $100,000 from All Within My Hands (AWMH), a nonprofit established by the members and management of the band.
In June 2024, MATC was one of five community colleges to receive another $100,000 from AWMH, thanks to a donation from the Lowe’s Foundation to fund critical training, equipment, recruiting and wraparound services.
“Partnering with programs like the Metallica Scholars Initiative is key to the Lowe’s Foundation’s efforts to ensure the next generation of builders can meet the demands of our modern world,” said Janice Dupré, Lowe’s executive vice president of human resources and chair of the Lowe’s Foundation. “As we bring our shared goal to life and strengthen the skilled trades pipeline, we’re excited to see students unlocking their full potential through these transformative careers.”
“The Metallica Scholars Initiative is an exceptional program focused on workforce education that has proven to be a galvanizing force across the community college ecosystem,” said Peter Delgrosso, executive director of AWMH. “We are honored to partner with the Lowe’s Foundation to grow the trades while positively impacting many lives.”
The Associated General Contractors of America report that nearly 90% of contractors say they have trouble finding skilled workers. An estimated half a million new tradespeople will be needed to meet demand in 2024 alone, according to the Associated Builders and Contractors trade association.
“The mission of Metallica’s All Within My Hands aligns perfectly with our mission, which is to offer an education that transforms lives, industry and community,” MATC President Dr. Vicki J. Martin has said. “This funding helps students enroll in our high quality, in-demand programs that meet local employer and community needs — leading to careers that provide family-supporting wages and better lives.”
This spring, a dozen MATC graduates in manufacturing, construction and transportation programs received scholarships from AWMH. Here’s a look at three MATC Metallica scholars:
Yovani Correa-Martinez
These days, Yovani Correa-Martinez worries only about welding.
The recent MATC graduate usually had to work while attending classes to pay for his tuition, fees and equipment. But thanks to a scholarship from the rock band Metallica, he earned his Welding technical diploma in May 2024 without constantly fretting about his finances.
“I was less stressed about paying my student fees,” said Correa-Martinez, the first person in his family to attend college. “If I wouldn’t have gotten this scholarship, the stress would’ve continued to overwhelm me.”
With a diploma in his hands, Correa-Martinez plans to get a stable job in welding.
“I can’t even explain how happy I was to receive this scholarship,” he said. “It helped me a lot and I really appreciated it. I think I will be able to do big things.”
Dylan Greene-Kapitan
Dylan Greene-Kapitan is more than ready to put his life on the line.
Thanks to a Metallica scholarship, the Elkhorn, Wisconsin, resident is primed to secure a position at the Milwaukee-based utility We Energies.
Greene-Kapitan graduated with academic honors from MATC’s Electrical Power Distribution/Line Mechanic program in May 2024.
While attending classes, he worked as a general laborer at a demolition and asbestos abatement company based in Elkhorn, pouring concrete and asphalt, landscaping, and operating heavy equipment. He also drove from Elkhorn to MATC’s Mequon Campus every day to attend classes.
“The program interested me because I had multiple We Energies employees tell me how beneficial of a career it is and it sparked my interest,” Greene-Kapitan said.
The scholarship allowed Greene-Kapitan to spend money on food and other expenses. “I appreciated everything that the group does for the community and other college students,” he said.
Jen K. Lee
For Jen K. Lee, it was all about the kids.
As a working parent attending MATC, Lee needed all the help he could get to finish the college’s Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating Service Technician program.
He got a big boost from Metallica with a scholarship.
Lee graduated from MATC in May 2024 and plans to start his own HVAC business.
“This scholarship helped me achieve the goal of completing the HVAC program. Without it, I would have had to take out more loans to cover my tuition,” Lee said. “Now I can accomplish something that I always wanted to do and take care of my family.”
Read about other MATC Metallica Scholars:
About All Within My Hands (AWMH): Established by the members and management of Metallica in 2017 as a means to invest in the people and places that have supported the band, AWMH is focused on supporting sustainable communities through workforce education, the fight against hunger and other critical local services. All expenses of the AWMH are covered by the band, the board and a few special friends so that 100% of donations go to the organizations it supports. AWMH is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
About MATC: As Wisconsin’s largest technical college and one of the most diverse two-year institutions in the Midwest, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a key driver of southeastern Wisconsin’s economy and has provided innovative education in the region since 1912. Nearly 30,000 students per year attend the college’s four campuses and community-based sites or learn online. MATC offers affordable and accessible education and training opportunities that empower and transform lives in the community. The college offers more than 180 academic programs; and transfer options leading to bachelor’s degrees with more than 40 four-year colleges and universities. Overwhelmingly, MATC graduates build careers and businesses in southeastern Wisconsin. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.