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Wolverine partners with GRCC, Metallica Scholars to support students gaining transformational career skills

Aug. 13, 2020 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Wolverine, the iconic West Michigan company known for making quality protective footwear for people in the professional trades, is teaming up with Grand Rapids Community College and the Metallica Scholars program to help more students gain transformational career skills.

The program is a partnership between the legendary heavy metal band’s All Within My Hands Foundation and the American Association of Community Colleges. The effort provides workforce training for community college students and reinvests in cities where the musicians have performed.

Rockford-based Wolverine is collaborating with GRCC, along with Lone Star College in Texas and WSU Tech in Kansas, to expand the program and support students.

Each of the colleges will each receive a $100,000 joint grant from Wolverine and Metallica Scholars, and every participating student receives Wolverine boots and clothing to help get them started in their career through the company’s Project Bootstrap program.

“Wolverine’s involvement strengthens an already outstanding program,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “We strive to work closely with our local employers as part of our mission to being relevant and responsive to West Michigan. We deeply appreciate this support and commitment to our students. Together, we provide people with skills and opportunities to change lives.”

The current class – the third overall as the program starts its second year – has 15 students. GRCC was one of 10 colleges selected nationwide for the initial Metallica Scholars grant in 2018, and was awarded additional funding in 2019.

GRCC created an intensive welding program that takes less time to complete than traditional courses. It also features smaller class sizes with flexible scheduling options and career preparation assistance. Students also gain hiring skills and meet with area employers.

“Wolverine is committed to supporting the next generation of the American workforce, and for the past six years we have focused on closing the skills gap through our Project Bootstrap initiative,” said Tom Kennedy, Wolverine’s global brand president. 

“We believe the best way to do that is to start with education. By supporting schools like Grand Rapids Community College and ensuring programs have all the resources they need, we can support students who are choosing to join the skilled trades and together be one step closer to closing the gap.”

About GRCC

Grand Rapids Community College offers learners of all ages opportunities to gain credits for degrees or transfer and in-demand career skills leading to rewarding careers. GRCC was established in 1914 – Michigan’s first community college -- and offers affordable classes on weekdays, evenings, Saturdays and online at locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties.

About Wolverine

For over 135 years, Wolverine has taken pride in crafting durable boots with unrivaled craftsmanship and the highest-quality materials. With a dedication to innovation, Wolverine provides dependable comfort and style to hardworking men and women all over the world. For those who believe in hard work and uncompromising commitment, Wolverine offers the footwear, apparel and accessories to get the job done. Committed to supporting those in the skilled trades, Wolverine's Project Bootstrap was formed in 2014 to celebrate and thank hard working people in the skilled trades and donate boots to trade students and trades workers. For more information, visit www.wolverine.com. Wolverine is a division of Wolverine Worldwide Inc.

 

 

 

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