[SUFFERN, NY] – August 28, 2024 – Rockland Community College was awarded $100,000 in 2022 by the All Within My Hands (AWMH) Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) along with a handful of other community colleges after being selected from a large pool of applicants across the country. The funds were specifically donated to support Rockland Community College’s CDL Class A Commercial Driver Training students who benefited from reduced tuition costs providing them with a once in a lifetime credentialing opportunity.
This year RCC has received an additional $25,000 for the 2024-2025 academic year again to be used specifically for student scholarships for CDL classes and manufacturing workforce development programs.
All Within My Hands is a non-profit, philanthropic organization created by the members and management of the band Metallica, dedicated to creating sustainable communities by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services. The 2024-2025 school year marks the sixth year of the Metallica Scholars Initiative. Launched in 2019 by All Within My Hands in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), MSI began with 10 colleges and primarily manufacturing programs. With steady development by creative and dedicated leadership, MSI offers diverse workforce opportunities for students interested in gaining the skills and training necessary to find meaningful and well-paying careers. Additional curricula will include construction, healthcare, and engineering, contributing to more than 25 fields of study offered within the Initiative. To date, AWMH has invested over $10.5M in the American workforce, reaffirming a commitment to career and technical education at the local level.
“By the end of 2024, we estimate that we will have helped more than 50 students with a wide range of backgrounds and ages gain skills to assist in finding meaningful jobs and careers thanks to the funds from this grant,” Keirsten Gordon, Director of Workforce Innovation and Community Partnerships for RCC.
Metallica Scholars are often considered non-traditional students, as many have families they support or are the first in their families to pursue a college education. AWMH and AACC aim to connect students to skill-building opportunities and bridge the talent needs of the American workforce, all while utilizing the community college system, which is the most affordable, flexible, and industry-relevant applied-learning training provider in the country.
About AACC
As the voice of the nation’s community colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), delivers educational and economic opportunity for more than 10 million diverse students in search of the American Dream. Uniquely dedicated to access and success for all students, AACC’s 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. For more information, visit https://www.aacc.nche.edu/.
About Rockland Community College
Rockland Community College (RCC), located in Suffern New York, provides purpose driven educational opportunities in a supportive, affordable, and accessible environment, empowering individuals to positively transform themselves and their communities. RCC welcomes students from diverse backgrounds who appreciate small class sizes and personal attention from a distinguished, award-winning faculty that includes Fulbright scholars and SUNY Distinguished Professors. Many graduates go on to top universities to further their education on their own or through RCC’s institutional collaborations.
RCC is also proud to provide career training and professional development to adult learners looking to change careers or upgrade their skills through a variety of programs and educational opportunities including workforce training, certifications, and micro credentials. Many of the programs are developed with employers in the community in high demand industry areas to enable graduates to move into a new career upon graduation. More information can be found at sunyrockland.edu.
# # #