CLC chosen to receive $100K in scholarships funded by Metallica's All Within My Hands Foundation
The College of Lake County has been selected as one of 10 American two-year schools each to receive $100,000 in scholarships from Metallica's All Within My Hands Foundation and the American Association of Community Colleges. These students will become the first cohort under the Metallica Scholars initiative sponsored by the nine-time, Grammy Award-winning band.
The Metallica Scholars initiative is designed to provide support of job skill training for community college students and elevate the importance of career and technical education. Grant funds will provide scholarships and services for a cohort of 50 students in five manufacturing areas. They include mechatronics/automation, photonics/lasers, welding, automotive and computer numerical control. Funds will be used to address labor shortages in manufacturing in Lake County, prepare participating students for employment and increase branding for career and technical education.
"We are thrilled and honored to be named as a recipient of the Metallica Scholars funding," said CLC President Lori Suddick, Ed.D. "Manufacturing plays a vital role in Lake County's economy, housing more than 700 medical instrument and precision manufacturing and tooling companies. The Metallica Scholars funds will assist in alleviating the main cause of non-completion in students who have financial need, allowing students to focus their time and effort in achieving their goals. Additionally, we are grateful to the Metallica All Within My Hands Foundation and the AACC for recognizing CLC's role in providing high-quality career and technical education for residents in Chicago's northern suburbs."
Partnering with the AACC, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that represents the nation's 1,103 community colleges, the Metallica Scholars awards were distributed following a competitive application process. Dr. Edward Frank, executive director of AWMH, said, "The goal of our Metallica Scholars Initiative is to improve career opportunities for community college students in the trades. Equally, we hope to raise the awareness of the tremendous importance, value and impact of the education provided by our nation's community college system. The Foundation and the band are thrilled by the quality of proposals we received from these colleges, and are excited to do our part to help educate students so that they have the skills and training necessary to find meaningful and well-paying jobs in their communities."
In addressing why the AWMH Foundation chose workforce education as part of its mission, Metallica drummer and cofounder Lars Ulrich said, "All of us in the band feel fortunate that music has provided us the opportunity to be successful doing something we are passionate
about. We want to share our success with others so that they can find a job where they can do the same."
Keeping with AWMH's philosophy of enabling Metallica to give back to communities that have supported the band, the recipient colleges are all AACC members and based in and around stops on Metallica's 2017-2019 WorldWired Tour. For more information on the AWMH and Metallica Scholars initiative, visit https://www.allwithinmyhands.org/news-media/news/metallica-scholars.html.
CLC's Spring Semester classes begin Jan. 22, and registration is now open. View course offerings, both classroom-based and online, and learn how to become a CLC student at www.clcillinois.edu/spring.
About College of Lake County
College of Lake County is an innovative community college in Lake County, Ill. that transforms lives with its variety of accessible, quality education options. Offered at three campuses in Grayslake, Vernon Hills and Waukegan or online, College of Lake County provides affordable options in a state-of-the-art setting close to home. A large student network, with small class sizes,provides advantages to our students on a career-related program or a path toward a transfer degree. We're proud to serve the diverse needs of our community and student body. Connect to your future today at College of Lake County. For more information, visit www.clcillinois.edu.