Metallica helps rock Lone Star College skilled trades programs

HOUSTON, TX -- The legendary rock band Metallica donated an additional $5,000 to Lone Star College through its Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) and the All Within My Hands (AWMH) Foundation to help LSC students enrolled in the diesel mechanic, robotics and automation workforce programs. LSC has received this grant for the last six years.

“Lone Star College offers credit and non-credit programs that prepare students to enter various high-demand industries, including entertainment, health care, manufacturing, skilled trades and transportation,” said Linda Leto Head, LSC senior associate vice chancellor, Strategic Partnerships. “The generous partnership we enjoy with Metallica and All Within My Hands Foundation helps our students achieve their career goals, primarily in the trades.”

MSI launched the AWMH Foundation in 2019 with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) to financially assist 10 colleges. LSC is an original member of the partnership and has received $270,000, including LSC Foundation’s $75,000 contribution, to help LSC students like Briana Cardenas succeed in the college’s skilled trades programs.

“With this grant, I was able to save the money I would’ve paid for in tuition and use it to buy a new MacBook Pro,’ said Cardenas. “I can use this laptop to work on the go and edit content faster as a current intern at a small production company.” Cardenas will earn an associate of applied sciences degree in Live Entertainment Technology under the Video Production Track at the end of fall 2024.

Since the beginning, the MSI grant has helped over 200 LSC students with their educational costs in various programs, including certified nursing aide (CNA), dental assisting, electrical technology, live entertainment, manufacturing, mechatronics, oil and gas production, truck driving and welding. Today, the initiative is in all 50 states.

“Metallica, through their foundation, is changing how people view and engage with the trades in this country and it is working,” said Peter Delgrosso, All Within My Hands executive director. “Metallica scholars are diverse, motivated and ambitious and we are here to help them reach their goals.”

Visit AllWithinMyHands.org/Metallica-Scholars for a complete list of all 60 colleges supported by All Within My Hands.

LSC Foundation, the non-profit fundraising arm of Lone Star College, changes lives through student scholarships and other financial opportunities to help reduce economic barriers toward a quality education. The MSI grant is one of the ways eligible students can alleviate the heavy financial strain of earning a college education.

“Lone Star College Foundation appreciates generous donors like the Metallica Scholars Initiative who provide grants and scholarships to ensure students learn the latest skills and techniques for their chosen professors that will greatly benefit our community,” said Nicole Robinson Gauthier, CFRE, LSC Foundation executive director. “The monies help students pay for tuition, fees, equipment and other educational costs that could hinder their success without our donors’ support.”

In addition to the MSI grant, LSC students can apply for other financial aid options at LoneStar.edu/FA-Grants or through LSC Foundation LoneStar.edu/Giving/ApplyScholarships to receive assistance in paying for college expenses, including tuition, fees, books and supplies.