A Scholarship that Rocks: TSTC Sweetwater students receive scholarships from Metallica

SWEETWATER, Texas ( KTAB/KRBC ) — Sweetwater Texas State Technical College (TSTC) was chosen to be part of Metallica’s ‘All Within My Hands’ foundation, which gives grants and scholarships to students in trade schools.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame group chose TSTC Sweetwater among its 42 schools nationwide to participate in their foundation’s generosity, which has invested more than $6 million in the American workforce to date. Gabby Mallett, associate provost of TSTC’s Sweetwater campus, said she is proud that TSTC has joined the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) to meet the college’s mission of placing more Texans in great-paying jobs.

“With MSI scholarship opportunities, our students will be able to offset their college expenses and get to work knowing that part of their education is paid for,” Mallett said.

Jacob Dannar is a student in TSTC’s welding program and was elated when he discovered he had been chosen to be a Metalica Scholar.

“I remember when I first got it… it was crazy. I ran home and showed my mom the email and was like, “Look what I got!” said Dannar. It helped me a lot financially and helped me get some tools I needed for class. And not only that, but it helped me towards the new vehicle as well.”

Jackie Norman is also a Metallica Scholar and is considered a non-traditional student, returning to collegiate studies at an advanced age. He discusses what this program reveals about the band’s character.

“It helps us out tremendously. I mean, the buying tools, purchasing books. That actually shows they’re giving back to the communities,” Norman shared.

Gabby Moya, a fan of Diesel Tech and Metallica, has benefitted from the MSI program as it helped her start her studies at TSTC by providing her with a toolbox containing a complete mechanic’s tool set. She mentioned that acquiring this tool set would have been a significant expense, making it difficult to begin her studies without the program’s support.

“With Metallica, giving me the opportunity… It felt amazing. Felt great. Metallica is known worldwide, and for little old Sweetwater, Texas, TSTC, it was just mind-boggling that Metallica could possibly do anything else. But they came here to support us, to give back to us, and to fit us and set us up for success in future jobs,” Moya explained.

TSTC Sweetwater is one of only two schools chosen by Metallica in Texas to receive these benefits. Additionally, graduates who received the Metallica scholarship will walk across the stage with a special Metallica sash to commemorate that honor.

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