Concord, N.H. (August 7, 2026) – The Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) has been selected for a $25,000 grant from the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) to enhance the Culinary Arts & Sustainable Foodways program at Great Bay Community College (GBCC). CCSNH has received $150,000 in support of career and technical education programs throughout the initiative’s existence, and for the third year in a row, CCSNH is recognized as the only institution in the Granite State to receive funding that will expand access to skilled trade programs.
Through the Foundation for New Hampshire Community Colleges (The Foundation), the grant will award financial assistance to students to offset the cost of attendance and provide a local pathway to meet the demand of the well-established restaurant industry in the seacoast and beyond.
Tim Allison, executive director of The Foundation said, “The generosity of Metallica and their philanthropic organization will help fuel the ambition of GBCC students who wish to cultivate their culinary careers, gaining the training and hands-on experience needed to truly thrive in a highly in-demand industry.”
The Culinary Arts and Sustainable Foodways program was co-created by James Beard Award-nominated chef instructors and GBCC. The 12-week certificate program includes 10 hours of classroom instruction and five hours of on-the-job training per week through externships at local establishments. The program incorporates a wide range of guest speakers and trips to local farms and purveyors to provide first-hand insights about preparing and serving food in a sustainable manner. According to the United States Department of Labor, employment of chefs and head cooks is projected to grow 7% from 2025-2033.
Since securing its first round of funding from the Metallica Scholars Initiative, CCSNH has supported students in programs that include welding, aviation technology, massage therapy and culinary arts.
All Within My Hands (AWMH), the nonprofit, philanthropic organization created by the members and management of Metallica, proudly announces the eighth year of its MSI with its largest grant to date: over $3.3 million. Eighteen new US schools will join the returning 75 colleges in the fall for a total of 93 in the program. In addition, later this year, the Metallica Scholars Initiative will also expand to the United Kingdom in partnership with Capital City College Group in London.
Since launching in 2019, AWMH has worked closely with its long-time partner, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), helping to support approximately 13,000 community college students learn the skills needed for in-demand careers with family-sustaining wages.
Metallica’s James Hetfield said, “This thing started as a dream. Now our program is changing lives. To expand our impact on a global scale and support even more students is so rewarding. We’re so proud of all the Metallica Scholars who have come through it and all the ones who will participate in it. It’s humbling to know we’ve been part of the journey of thousands of trade professionals doing good, hard work in the world.”
About CCSNH
The Community College System of NH consists of seven colleges, offering associate degree and certificate programs, professional training, transfer pathways to four-year degrees, and dual-credit partnerships with NH high schools. The System’s colleges are Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth; Lakes Region Community College in Laconia; Manchester Community College; Nashua Community College; NHTI – Concord’s Community College; River Valley Community College in Claremont, Lebanon and Keene; and White Mountains Community College in Berlin and Littleton. CCSNH serves more than 25,000 students across the state providing affordable access to a high-quality education and economic opportunity. For more information, visit CCSNH.edu.
About All Within My Hands
Established in 2017, All Within My Hands (AWMH) is a nonprofit, philanthropic organization conceived by the members and management of Metallica and dedicated to creating sustainable communities by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services. Metallica covers all administrative costs, so 100% of donations go directly to the organizations supported by the Foundation. To date, All Within My Hands has provided grants of $19 million to career and technical education programs through its Metallica Scholars Initiative, $8.8 million to combat food insecurity, and $6.2 million to disaster relief and other critical local services worldwide. Visit AllWithinMyHands.orgto learn more. And follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
About American Association of Community Colleges
As the voice of the nation’s community colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) delivers educational and economic opportunity for more than 10 million diverse students in search of the American Dream. Uniquely dedicated to access and success for all students, AACC’s member colleges provide an on-ramp to degree attainment, skilled careers, and family-supporting wages. Located in Washington, D.C., AACC advocates for these not-for-profit, public-serving institutions to ensure they have the resources and support they need to deliver on the mission of increasing economic mobility for all. aacc.nche.edu
Media Contacts:
CCSNH & The Foundation
Kristen Lestock
Vice President of Communications and Client Engagement
All Within My Hands Foundation
Renee Richardson, Director of Philanthropy
(415) 458-1532 x10
American Association of Community Colleges
Dr. Martha M. Parham, Sr. Vice President, Public Relations
(202) 728-0200
