CCRI Metallica Scholars: Forging Paths to Success in Healthcare

03/05/2025

For students like Esther Duran, of Providence, Wanda Wrobleski, of Cumberland, and Richard Garcia, of Providence, the journey to a fulfilling career in healthcare has been transformed thanks to the Community College of Rhode Island and the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI). Funded by a $75,000 grant from the legendary rock band’s foundation, All Within My Hands, this initiative provides financial support to students enrolled in CCRI’s Medical Assistant and Patient Support Specialist workforce training programs—helping to alleviate financial burdens and empower students to focus on their education and career goals.

All Within My Hands (AWMH) is a non-profit, 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.

A Helping Hand Toward a Dream Career

Esther Duran, a 24-year-old Providence native, had always envisioned a career in healthcare but needed the right support to get started. While working in the dietary department at a local hospital, she discovered CCRI’s free, 16-week Medical Assistant training program and seized the opportunity to pursue her passion.

Through CCRI’s partnership with the Brown University Health Workforce Development program, Duran is gaining hands-on experience and professional development while working alongside mentors. With the additional financial support provided by the Metallica Scholars Initiative, she is able to focus on her studies without financial strain.

“The Metallica Scholars program made a huge difference in helping me achieve my goals,” Duran said. “I’m thankful for all the opportunities I’ve had.”

Duran plans to gain experience as a Medical Assistant before continuing her education to become a Physician Assistant specializing in OB-GYN.

A New Path to Success

For Wanda Wrobleski of Cumberland, the traditional four-year college route was not the right fit—financially or academically. Instead, she found her passion at CCRI, enrolling in the Patient Support Specialist certificate program. Through CCRI’s Workforce Development Program, she honed essential employability skills and gained the confidence to advance in her field.

With the help of the Metallica Scholars Initiative, Wrobleski was able to manage the additional costs of her education and focus on her career aspirations. Now working at the Anne C. Pappas Center for Breast Imaging at Rhode Island Hospital, she credits CCRI for opening new doors.

“Being a Metallica Scholar helped remove barriers that stood in my way of graduating,” she said. “It gave me peace of mind while I was in school and helped me step into a real career.”

Her journey has ignited a new passion: training to become a Mammography Assistant.

Balancing Work, School, and Family

Richard Garcia, a 20-year-old from Providence, initially attended a different college but found that CCRI’s affordability and flexibility better suited his needs. Enrolling in the Medical Assistant certificate program, he faced the challenges of juggling work, studies, and family responsibilities.

“The scholarship helped me quite a lot because it allowed me to cut hours from my job to focus on my workforce program and complete the program while having my full focus—especially on my finals,” Garcia said.

Now completing his externship, Garcia plans to continue his education and pursue a bachelor’s degree.

A Lasting Impact

Through the Metallica Scholars Initiative, CCRI continues to provide students with the financial resources and educational support needed to launch successful careers. The program exemplifies the college’s commitment to workforce development and student success.

“At CCRI, we are dedicated to breaking down barriers to education and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to achieve their career aspirations,” said CCRI Interim President Rosemary A. Costigan, Ph.D., RN. “The Metallica Scholars Initiative is a game-changer for our students, allowing them to focus on their training and enter the workforce with confidence.”

With CCRI’s robust workforce training programs and initiatives like MSI, students are forging new paths and building brighter futures—one opportunity at a time.

About the Metallica All Within My Hands Foundation

Metallica’s Foundation, All Within My Hands, was created by the band members in 2017. The organization aims to assist and enrich the lives of members of the communities who have supported the band for years, as well as to encourage participation from fands and friends. All funds the foundation raises are donated to a cross-section of national and local charities, with every penny going directly to AWMH’s charity providers. Metallica covers all administrative costs.

To date, AWMH and Metallica have provided over $15 million in grants to career and technical education programs, organizations combatting food insecurity, and critical local services, which include disaster relief efforts. Please visit AllWithinMyHands.org for more information.

Share on Social Media