College of Western Idaho (CWI) announces a $75,000 grant awarded through the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI). CWI is honored to join the Metallica Scholar’s program, partnering with the Grammy award-winning band’s All Within My Hands foundation, a global frontrunner in supporting workforce education and sustainable communities.
On Tuesday, Nov. 19, CWI’s President Gordon Jones and Fire Service Program Manager, Darrin Raskopf, unveiled this significant award at a media event hosted at the Nampa Fire Training Facility.
The grant is earmarked for CWI's Fire Service Technology Program to amplify training opportunities for students seeking careers in fire service. This financial support is set to enrich their educational journey, provide essential breathing equipment, and cover their expenses related to renting turnout gear during internships with local fire departments.
Launched in 2019, All Within My Hands (AWMH), in collaboration with the American Association of Community Colleges, initiated the Metallica Scholars Initiative. To date, AWMH has invested over $10.5M in the American workforce, underscoring a steadfast commitment to local career and technical education. The program is currently functional across all 50 states and Guam.
By joining this prestigious league of scholars, CWI furthers the band’s mission of supporting workforce students. CWI President Gordon Jones captured the essence of this collaboration when sharing, “These funds will be used to acquire crucial equipment for our students to gain valuable hands-on experience in the field, preparing for careers as firefighters. Our Fire Service Technology program is more than just a path to a career — it’s a call to protect and serve our community.”
In any profession, the tools of the trade are essential to success. To symbolize the partnership, a unique representation was created by CWI Welding students: a guitar paired with a fire hose. This imagery highlights the power and significance of both careers. Just as a guitar can inspire and influence through music, a fire hose represents the strength and dedication required to protect, save, and serve the community. Both tools, though different in purpose, embody the impact of their respective crafts.
Fire Service Technology students used the paired guitar and firehose to put out a simulated car fire at the press conference, fighting back intense flames, steam, and billowing smoke — elements ironically also found at any good heavy metal concert.
Learn more about a career in firefighting on CWI’s Fire Service Technology program webpage.
