Become a machinist for free in eight weeks

Polk State College is proud to be one of 15 schools across the country to receive a $100,000 grant from All Within My Hands as part of the Metallica Scholars Initiative.

This initiative is providing full scholarships for students to complete Polk State Corporate College’s eight-week Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Machining Program as well as funds to take exams for six National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) certifications that will qualify them for in-demand, high-wage jobs with starting pay between $18 and $30 an hour.

CNC machinery precision-cuts, grinds, or drills materials. Machinists are technicians who make adjustments to machines to control the speed, the material fed, and the path of the cut, as well as make sure the machines are set up properly, working efficiently, and producing a high-quality product.

The program’s first class of Metallica Scholars will graduate October 9 and the College is currently enrolling for the next session that will start on October 12.

“I encourage people to take advantage of this opportunity – there are not a lot of opportunities like this out there where you can receive training in a short period of time, for free, and be employed immediately with good pay,” said Godwin Fenelon, who is on track to graduate with the first class of Metallica Scholars. “Polk State Corporate College and the Metallica Scholars Initiative have helped me evolve to another level that I don’t think I would have been able to reach without this opportunity.”

Polk State Corporate College is offering classes in hybrid and face-to-face formats at the Polk State Clear Springs Advanced Technology Center in Bartow.

The CNC Machining Program takes eight weeks to complete and sessions will begin on:

• October 12
• January 11
• March 8
• May 17

Individuals who are interested in this free, short-term training opportunity should contact Coordinator Jamie Rowan at jrowan@polk.edu or 863.837.5954. More information is available online at www.polk.edu/metallica.

About Polk State College

Located in Winter Haven, Florida, and established in 1964, Polk State College is a multi-campus institution serving more than 16,000 students with Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science, Associate in Arts, and Associate in Science degrees, as well as 12,000 students in the Polk State Corporate College with a wide range of certificate and workforce training options. The College also operates three charter high schools.

Polk State’s advantages include small class sizes; hands-on learning; dedicated faculty; day and night classes; online options; affordable tuition; excellent financial aid; and a diverse community and vibrant student life, including fine arts opportunities, clubs, and intercollegiate athletics. Visit www.polk.edu for more.

About All Within My Hands

AWMH is a non-profit, philanthropic organization created by the members and management of Metallica dedicated to creating sustainable communities by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services. 100% of donations go directly to local organizations that the Foundation supports. Please visit: AllWithinMyHands.org for more information.

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 nearly 12 million diverse students in search of the American Dream. Uniquely dedicated to access and success for all students, AACC’s more than 1,000 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.