Metallica Scholar: Chandhanaa Mutte

Chandhanaa Mutte, a 42-year-old from Augusta, Georgia, shared how returning to education through Aiken Technical College has been a transformative journey. After stepping away from the workforce to manage caretaking responsibilities, she struggled with confidence and direction. “I was looking for opportunities to learn so I could upskill and get back to work, but I wasn’t sure and didn’t have the confidence to start somewhere,” she said.

Discovering the program through a Facebook group, she enrolled in the CompTIA A+ course in Fall 2024 and is now pursuing Network+, with plans to complete Security+ in Fall 2025. Her ultimate goal is to enter the cybersecurity field, especially given the local demand for IT professionals. “I’m hoping Security+ will get my foot in the door,” she explained.

The scholarship has been life-changing. “It’s a huge help. It’s a godsend,” Chandhanaa said. “What I found was—I thought I would find skills, but what I found was hope.” She emphasized how the program gave her a renewed sense of purpose and confidence: “I wanted that dose of encouragement, and it has been working out great for me.”

Chandhanaa expressed deep gratitude to the college and its staff, saying, “They’re not only giving life to individuals like me, but they’re also giving back to the community.” Her story is a powerful reminder of how access to education can reignite potential and transform lives.

For more information about the Metallica Scholars Initiative, visit atc.edu/MetallicaScholars.