WZZM-TV (Grand Rapids)

GRAND RAPIDS – Metallica is helping GRCC students out.

The heavy metal band awarded Grand Rapids Community College with a $100,000 grant to connect more nontraditional students to welding jobs.

GRCC is one of 10 colleges that was selected for the Metallica Scholars grant. The band's All Within My Hands Foundation teamed up with the American Associated of Community Colleges on the project — which is aimed at providing job training for community college students and reinvesting in cities where the band has toured.

GRCC will use the funding to launch an extensive welding program for nontraditional students. It will take less time to complete than the traditional courses, feature smaller class sizes, flexible scheduling options and career preparation assistance. GRCC also plans on partnering with local employers, so students can experience in-site visits, employee panels and mentoring opportunities.

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Metallica established the All Within My Hands Foundation in 2017 to invest in the people and places that have supported the band. The foundation previously supported efforts to fight hunger and provide emergency community aid, and is expanding its mission to include support for career and technical education.

Metallica will be back in Grand Rapids, performing at the Van Andel Arena in March 2019.