Metallica Scholars

Aiken Technical College is excited to enter its fourth year as a part of the prestigious Metallica Scholars Initiative! This year, Aiken Tech is among 93 colleges selected nationwide to participate in the 2026-2027 year.

Metallica Scholars is a collaborative initiative by Metallica's foundation, All Within My Hands, and the American Association of Community Colleges to provide direct support to community colleges to enhance their career and technical education programs.

Through the initiative, Aiken Tech prepares area residents for career opportunities in computer technology, advanced manufacturing, and dental health by providing the educational and support resources needed to succeed.

Aiken Tech's MSI-supported programs include:

Computer Technology: Networking emphasis
Computer Technology: Programming emphasis
Cybersecurity Networking (including dual enrollment pathway)
Internet Programming
Expanded Duty Dental Assisting
SC Manufacturing Certification (dual enrollment pathway only)
Continuing education courses for CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ industry certifications

Eligible students in select MSI-supported programs may qualify for scholarships, certification course prep and testing vouchers, or connection to academic and student support resources.

Aiken Tech became a MSI institution during the 2023-2024 year, becoming the first college in South Carolina selected for the opportunity. Since then, Aiken Tech has supported over 250 students with MSI funds, including dual enrollment, academic, and continuing education students.

Who qualifies to be a Metallica Scholar at Aiken Tech?

To be considered for this opportunity, the individual must be enrolled in one of the above eligible programs. Interested in enrolling? Please visit the below pages for enrollment info for the respective program(s):

How do I apply for a scholarship? What does it cover?

No application is needed for the scholarship. By enrolling in one of the eligible programs, qualifying students will be considered for a scholarship.

Scholarships are available for the following uses:

Cover industry certification costs
Cover tuition cost and related expenses

Those granted a scholarship will be notified.

About the Metallica Scholars Initiative

Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands, partnered with the American Association of Community Colleges in December 2018 to create a major workforce education initiative called “Metallica Scholars.” MSI provides direct support to community colleges to enhance their career and technical education programs. These programs provide skills and services to students looking to enter a traditional trade or other applied learning program. The Metallica Scholars Initiative began with ten schools in 2019 and currently includes 93 community and technical colleges.

Aiken Technical College became the first South Carolina college selected to participate in the initiative during the 2023-2024 academic year and is currently one of three participating colleges in the state.

Woman in a computer lab sitting in front of a computer.

My goal is to build a career in cybersecurity and IT support — helping people, solving problems, and teaching one day. I want to use my background in communications to bridge the gap between tech experts and everyday users.

Abby Hogg Zimmerman

2025-2026 Metallica Scholar

I am not sure what I want to do in the tech industry, but I feel like these courses and scholarship have helped me take the next step. I have been telling anyone I know who is interested in tech careers that they should reach out about this scholarship.

Dylan Lutz

2025-2026 Metallica Scholar

Man leaning against a brick wall, smiling.

Being named a Metallica Scholar means a great deal to me because it represents support for people who want to continue learning and improving their careers. The scholarship helps remove financial barriers and provides encouragement for those of us who are trying to grow professionally. It shows that organizations like Metallica’s foundation truly believe in investing in people who are working to better themselves through education.

Dejean Dunbar

2025-2026 Metallica Scholar

Aiken Technical College

2276 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Graniteville, SC 29829
803-593-9231

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