Metallica Scholars Initiative Expands Into All 50 US States and Guam

Ride the lightning straight into trade school! Metallica announced yesterday that they’ve officially expanded their Metallica Scholars Initiative into schools in all 50 states and the US territory of Guam. The initiative, referred to as MSI for short (which always makes me think of Mindless Self Indulgence) was launched in 2019 as part of a partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges and helps students get the training necessary for careers in different industries including construction, healthcare, and engineering.

In a statement on the initiative’s website, James Hetfield (who it hilariously refers to as “Papa Het”) had this to say:

“When we launched the Metallica Scholars Initiative, it really spoke to me. A collective goal of breaking the stigma of trade skills. Trade skills are vital to society, and what’s even more important is to support the many folks who are trying to create a career by learning and using these skills. I am so proud – we all are – to see how this program is changing lives by providing much-needed resources to empower students, and it’s great that we’re able to make our biggest grant yet to support these students and the future workforce. We are reaching even further for year six of the Metallica Scholars Initiative. This year, our program will be in 60 schools in all 50 states! All thanks to your support.”

The website shows a lot of the students who got their opportunities from the MSI adorned with Metallica Scholars logos. That’s kind of cool. Imagine being treated by a healthcare student in scrubs that say “Metallica Scholar” on the sleeve. Just don’t tell her she needs to name three songs.