The Story Behind AWMH
Metallica Lineworker Student Stories Summer 2024
Columbia State Community College has been selected for a second year of the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) and received a new $50,000 grant. As a Year 5 grantee, Columbia State remains the only community college in Tennessee to participate in MSI, which is a partnership between Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). The funding impacts over 100 students through scholarships for the Pre-Apprentice Lineworker Academy, dual enrollment EMT programs, and Nursing graduates.
For more information about the program, please visit Columbia State’s Workforce and Continuing Education. To register for upcoming cohorts and access available scholarships, including those from the Metallica Scholars Initiative, visit Registration.
ABOUT AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES
As the voice of the nation’s community colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges leads, advocates, and advances the nation’s community colleges. Uniquely American, community colleges deliver educational and economic opportunities for more than 10 million diverse students annually. 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, DC, AACC advocates for these not-for-profit, public-serving institutions to ensure they have the resources and support to increase economic mobility for all.
ABOUT ALL WITHIN MY HANDS
All Within My Hands was established in 2017 by Metallica to invest in the people and places that have supported the band. It also allows Metallica’s fans to engage in philanthropy and volunteerism. The Foundation is dedicated to creating sustainable communities through workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services. All expenses of the Foundation 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 non-profit organization.
Cannon Cervantes
The Metallica Scholars Initiative has been a game-changer for me, and I'm incredibly thankful for everything they've provided. Before enrolling, I was working construction, but I'm so glad I made the decision to pursue the Lineworker Academy. Starting my career with support from Metallica Scholars means the world to me. With the scholarship, I’ll be able to afford more of the equipment I need as I work toward becoming a lineman apprentice. This opportunity has not only impacted my future but also means so much to my family. We're truly grateful for the help.
Zachary Bowlin
The experience was really great because it allowed me to focus completely on my schooling without worrying about anything else. Before starting the program, I was working on a farm, but this opportunity has taught me so much about the work of a lineman and what the job truly involves. If I could thank the band, I'd say thank you for helping cover my education costs. It has meant a lot to me and has taken away the stress of figuring out how to pay for it.
Cole Darnell
It’s been amazing to live without stress while focusing on school. I’d just graduated high school, I was wrestling and working at the Co-Op, thinking I’d head to a TCAT, but this opportunity changed my direction. Now, with all the certifications I’ve earned at such a young age, I feel like my future is really bright. I’m ready to start applying for jobs right away, and what I’m most proud of is getting all of this done early in life and getting ahead. Thank you for making my school experience so much less stressful, especially financially. Not having to worry about money allowed me to really focus and learn.
Bryce Tankersly
For the past year and a half, I’ve been working part-time with Lewisburg Electric System, where I needed to have my CDL and climbing certification. During my senior year of high school, there were no scholarships that covered the cost of the program—until I received the Metallica Scholars Initiative scholarship. This scholarship has helped me in tremendous ways, especially by relieving the financial burden of paying for school. I can’t thank Metallica enough for what they’ve done for me and my fellow classmates.
Brady O’Neal
After graduating from UT Southern with a bachelor's degree in business administration, I decided to stick to my goal of pursuing a career in the linework industry. As a Metallica Scholar, I was able to attend Columbia State Lineworker Academy at a substantially lower price. This has allowed me to save money for tools and cut down on my out-of-pocket expenses to travel to school. My experience at Columbia State has been phenomenal as I have gained much-needed knowledge about the industry. I feel I now have the skills to help myself be successful in the future. I would like to thank Metallica for making this goal of becoming a lineworker a reality without a huge financial burden.
Spring 2024
Columbia State Community College recently celebrated its Pre-Apprentice Lineworker Academy with a Mini-Rodeo, where students showcased the skills they acquired during the program. The event featured competitions such as the 80-foot pole climb, bell change, and switch transfer.
Top performers included Trevor Gleyze from Columbia, who won first place overall, with Garth Marchant from Pulaski in second and Ethan Hardison from Culleoka in third. Keivarian Barner from Columbia also received the Outstanding Student Award.
Scholarships were awarded through the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) and the United Way of Greater Nashville’s (UWGN) Transformation Fund. MSI, launched by Metallica’s All Within My Hands (AWMH) foundation, supports workforce training and development. Columbia State is the only community college in Tennessee to have received an MSI grant.
For more information about the program, please visit Columbia State’s Lineworker Program. To register for future cohorts and access available scholarships, visit Registration.
ABOUT AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES
As the voice of the nation’s community colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges leads, advocates, and advances the nation’s community colleges. Uniquely American, community colleges deliver educational and economic opportunities for more than 10 million diverse students annually. 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, DC, AACC advocates for these not-for-profit, public-serving institutions to ensure they have the resources and support to increase economic mobility for all.
ABOUT ALL WITHIN MY HANDS
All Within My Hands was established in 2017 by Metallica to invest in the people and places that have supported the band. It also allows Metallica’s fans to engage in philanthropy and volunteerism. The Foundation is dedicated to creating sustainable communities through workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services. All expenses of the Foundation 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 non-profit organization.
Jacob Johnson
Prior to this program I was attending the University of Tennessee - Southern School of Business and it just wasn’t right for me. By getting this scholarship, I was able to focus on school and not work full time. Without taking on student debt, I don’t feel pushed to get the first job that comes along, but I can take the right job. This program has given me a huge head start to an apprenticeship. I pushed myself harder than I ever have in my life and overcame my fear of heights, which I am very proud of. Thank you Metallica for taking the financial aspect out and allowing me to focus on building these skills and knowledge that will offer me a long healthy career as a lineworker.
Ethan Hardison
I was working at UPS when I decided to follow my dream of being a lineman. My experience in the program was great! I learned a lot and made a lot of great friends along the way. I plan to start my apprenticeship as soon as I can. I am most proud of climbing the 80 foot pole. The scholarship really helped shape my future because I didn’t work for 7 weeks and just focused on school which helped me out a lot. Thank you!
Keivarian Barner
Unlike my classmates, I am working full-time, as the general manager at Zaxby’s. I was still able to participate in this program and the Metallica scholarship allowed me choose this great option without dipping into savings or taking on debt. This experience was great and I plan to use it to find a career in the field. I am most proud of how I improved and got things done in a timely matter. Thank you so much Metallica, this means so much for us as a class.
Nathan Jackson
My experience as a Metallica Scholar has been amazing. It helped me to be able to afford the program. This class isn’t for everyone. I plan on becoming a lineman back in my home state of Michigan. This will give me an edge over other applicants. Thank you for helping my journey into this career.
McAdams Wilson
Before starting this program I was mowing grass full time. This experience has been great and I believe I have found my career path. I hope to get on with a local utility company, but if I have to travel I will. Thank you for taking the financial stress off of my worries so I could focus on the program.
Trevor Gleyze
This experience ROCKED! I love this trade and looking forward to finding a good job with a union or travel. Thank you!
Garth Marchant
Before making the decision to go to school, I was working for a remodeling company. I have found something that I love now. This scholarship has given me a head start on finding a career as a lineman. I am most proud of being that best that I can be and climbing the poles, each time getting better and better. Thank you for the wonderful experience and opportunity.
Jacob Gregg
My experience as a Metallica Scholar was great and it helped me out a lot. Before this I had a job cutting trees. I didn’t work during school so the scholarship helped me out to not spend money. I learned a lot and I loved it. Hopefully I will be a great lineman. Thank you so much!
Fall 2023
The Columbia State Community College Office of Workforce and Continuing Education recently hosted a Pre-Apprentice Lineworker Academy Mini-Rodeo that allowed students to demonstrate the skills they learned during the seven-week program. The entire cohort of 12 students was fully funded through scholarships, including five scholarships that were awarded through a grant from the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI). MSI was launched in 2019 by Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) to provide workforce opportunities for students interested in gaining the skills and training necessary to find meaningful and well-paying careers in fields and positions. Columbia State is the first community college in Tennessee to receive an MSI grant.
For more information about the program, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Lineworker. Upcoming cohorts are scheduled for 2024. All individuals interested in the program should register through the link and it will place them on a contact list for future classes. Scholarships, including Metallica Scholars Initiative, will be available for spring, and interested participants can sign up for the contact list at www.campusce.net/columbiastate/course/course.aspx?catld=6.
ABOUT AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES
As the voice of the nation’s community colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges leads, advocates, and advances the nation’s community colleges. Uniquely American, community colleges deliver educational and economic opportunities for more than 10 million diverse students annually. 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, DC, AACC advocates for these not-for-profit, public-serving institutions to ensure they have the resources and support to increase economic mobility for all.
ABOUT ALL WITHIN MY HANDS
All Within My Hands was established in 2017 by Metallica to invest in the people and places that have supported the band. It also allows Metallica’s fans to engage in philanthropy and volunteerism. The Foundation is dedicated to creating sustainable communities through workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services. All expenses of the Foundation 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 non-profit organization.
Carter Housch
I had just graduated from Columbia State with an associates degree and I had no idea what I wanted to do. I was interested in the Pre-Apprentice Lineworker program, so I checked into it. I saved up all my money from working in the summer to pay for the program, but I would be on a fixed spend limit. I live about 45 minutes from Columbia State and most of what I’d saved to get through the program would be for gas and lunch. So my first question was “is there any financial aid available?” The Metallica Scholars Initiative gave me an opportunity to enroll in the program with minimal out-of-pocket expenses. As a Metallica Scholar I learned so much and gained a ton of experience. The certifications I have now from this program, CDL, OSHA, pole climbing will help me land an electrical utility distribution job at a local company. This will offer me stability, financial gains, and a retirement plan, none of which I’d have without Metallica Scholars.
Grant Knoll
If not for Metallica Scholars, I would not be here today telling my story because this program would not have been possible. After high school I was doing warehouse work with no plan B. This program taught me a lot and I’ve gained knowledge that I’ll hopefully bring to a union job in the field. I went from knowing nothing to being ready for an apprenticeship in two months. This scholarship helped me spend money towards other stuff in the program and necessities. Thank you Metallica and the All Within My Hands Foundation for this opportunity!
Tanner Westmoreland
This program and Metallica Scholars is a huge stepping stone for me. I enjoyed this program. It builds character and I’ve met great friends. I want to start working as soon as possible, using my knowledge to do good and make a good living. Not everyone can climb a pole and I’m proud of myself for learning that and the improvements I made throughout the course. This program is not cheap and I didn’t have income while going to the school since I couldn’t work, so this scholarship was a huge help. If I could, I’d climb a pole and play a Metallica song, singing it to them to show my thanks!
Jacob Harden
My experience with this program and as a Metallica Scholar has been great. This scholarship helped me further my education and training. The program builds character and teaches skills few people have. I would shake the bands’ hands if I could to thank them for their support and this opportunity.
Craig Delk
I’d just graduated from high school and was working a maintenance job over the summer. I am one of four children, with an older sibling in college. Metallica Scholars took some of the financial burden off my parents and gave me the chance to get in this program and take what I’ve learned to get a good job, hopefully with TVPPA. I absolutely recommend this program and hope that Metallica Scholars will be available for other students.