Pima Community College Continues Partnership with Metallica Scholars Initiative
Tucson, AZ – Pima Community College (PCC) is proud to announce its continued participation in the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) for the fourth consecutive year. This program, created by Metallica's charitable foundation All Within My Hands, in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), supports students pursuing careers in trades and technical fields, providing them with essential resources and opportunities.
PCC Metallica Scholar, Damaris Garcia, is a 47-year-old single mother of six who is working towards her Associate of Applied Science degree in Building and Construction Technologies, which she plans to complete in May 2025. Garcia earned her GED at 19, and although life has presented many challenges, her dream of becoming a real estate investor who flips houses has kept her motivated.
“The construction industry has always interested me,” Garcia said. “I want to be a real estate investor who flips houses, but being a full-time student and single parent is tough. The Metallica Scholarship really helped ease my stress about how I was going to pay for school. Without it, I don’t know how I would have managed to stay in school.”
“The scholarship allowed me to concentrate on my education and gain the skills I need to succeed in the construction industry,” she added. “It’s given me hope that I can provide a better future for my children.”
This year, PCC will award 12 students $500 each, along with additional support for their testing fees, tools, and equipment. In addition, PCC is one of five schools to receive $100,000 through the Lowes Gable Grant, also supported by All Within My Hands. The funding will be used to enhance training programs in HVAC, carpentry, electrical and plumbing careers.
MSI began in 2019 with 10 colleges primarily focused on manufacturing programs. It has since expanded to include diverse workforce opportunities in fields such as construction, healthcare and engineering. To date, more than $10.5 million has been invested in the American workforce, reflecting MSI’s commitment to career and technical education at the local level.
"Metallica, through their foundation, is changing how people view and engage with the trades in this country, and it is working," said Peter Delgrosso, Executive Director of All Within My Hands. "Metallica Scholars are diverse, motivated, and ambitious, and we are here to help them reach their goals. I am so proud and honored to announce our entrance into all 50 states, as this is a significant milestone for not only our foundation but the incredible community we have helped foster and connect."
“We are honored to continue our partnership with the Metallica Scholars Initiative and are grateful for the generosity of All Within My Hands and the leadership of AACC,” said Ian Roark, PCC’s Vice Chancellor of Workforce Development & Innovation. “This collaboration provides our students with financial support and equips them with practical skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen trades. It also reaffirms our commitment to delivering high-quality workforce education and training to our community.”
For more information on the Metallica Scholars Initiative, visit allwithinmyhands.org/metallica-scholars.
Contact:
Justin Kree
Director Media Relations
520-710-7170 (cell)
jkree@pima.edu