Metallica Scholars — Student Stories
Meet some of our inspiring and talented Metallica Scholars!
What is the Metallica Scholar Initiative (MSI)?
Metallica Scholars is a major workforce education initiative that provides direct support to community colleges to enhance their career and technical education programs. These programs provide skills and services to students looking to enter a traditional trade or other applied learning program. CGCC entered the MSI program in 2021, and it has been a game-changer for a number of our Tech & Trades students.
Here are a few of their stories:
Britt Reed - Aviation Maintenance Technology
After retiring as a USAF engineer, Britt Reed embarked on a new journey in the Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program at Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC). Britt's desire to keep growing, and a lifelong passion for aircraft - he has built and restored several experimental aircraft - is his inspiration.
CGCC's AMT program, combined with the Metallica Scholarship, presented an opportunity for Britt to leverage his work ethic and real-world knowledge to transition into a field facing a shortage of trained mechanics. The program's hands-on focus and the new tools Britt received with his Metallica Scholarship let him focus on the learning he needs for the FAA exams.
Upon completing the AMT program, Britt envisions working locally at local aviation companies or nearby airports. Britt's need to understand how things work and the satisfaction of fixing and improving them are his inspiration. "At first it felt awkward to apply to college at my age, but I was just as excited as the teenagers when I was awarded the Metallica Scholarship! The AMT program requires a strong commitment to learning, as the safety of others depends on skill and attention to detail. My classmates accepted me immediately, and I've learned as much from them as I've been able to share."
As he embarks on this new chapter in his life, Britt is poised to make a positive impact in his family, his community, and the regional aviation industry, all at the same time.
Win-Win-Win!
A few of Britt Reed’s experimental aircraft builds.
Lyden Matthew Bush - Electro-Mechanical Technology
Lyden Matthew Bush is a young man with a clear vision and strong determination. He is thriving in the challenging program that captured his imagination the moment he first heard about it.
Before CGCC, Lyden was a chairlift operator, fresh out of high school. The job was exhilarating, but he knew he wanted more. CGCC, just down at the bottom of the mountain, was the perfect next step.
Lyden's writing teacher saw his sharp mind and aspirations and pointed him toward CGCC's Electro-Mechanical Technology (EM-Tech) program. "The knowledge we gain is universal," he explains. "I'm excited to see how many places I can go with this degree."
Lyden's path took a huge turn when he became a Metallica Scholar. The award not only provided much needed financial support, but also validation that his decision to stick with college was right. "I felt it was a sure sign that I was on the path to my future."
Lyden's ambitions extend to artificial intelligence and drone technology, picturing a future where he can merge these interests. "I want to do something interesting and future-proof," he says.
As graduation and transferring to Oregon State University approaches, Lyden is still looking far-forward: "After college, the Rocky Mountain High of Colorado has been calling to me."
Lyden's story is one of adaptability, a young man charting his course with practicality, mindfulness, and ambition, the embodiment of a student ready to take on the future, one calculated step at a time.
Donald Pickard - Aviation Maintenance Technology
Donald Pickard (Donny), a 48-year-old martial arts academy owner, traded his dojo for the Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program at Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC). This step marked a pivotal moment in his life, seeking to combine his passion for aviation with his dedication to martial arts.
Donny's desire for a college degree led him to CGCC, and his dream of becoming a pilot led him to expand his horizons via the AMT program. As a small business owner and family man, Donny's financial responsibilities often took precedence over education, but the Metallica Scholarship made pursuing a degree manageable. The scholarship gave him the ability to focus on his studies, and the professional tools allowed him to apply his new skills immediately.
Donny envisions a future where he splits his time between the airfield and teaching. Working on planes will immerse him in the aviation industry, while training students will keep sharp the discipline and values that have shaped his life.
Donny believes that focus and perseverance are essential in both martial arts and aircraft maintenance. Attention to detail and commitment to excellence in martial arts mirror the precision and care required in maintaining aircraft.
"Embrace the journey with an open mind and a dedicated spirit," advises Donny. "It doesn't matter if you're a recent graduate or someone like me seeking to achieve a life goal, aircraft maintenance offers a rewarding career path combining technical skill with the satisfaction of doing important work."
Zane Tompkins - Electro-Mechanical Technology
Zane has been making the most of his time at Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC). When he decided to pursue a career in renewable energy, the constant wind coursing through northern Oregon's wind farms breezed Zane right to the doorstep of CGCC's Electro-Mechanical Technology (EM-Tech) program.
Before CGCC, Zane worked at an aerospace startup until the company went through a big layoff. He was there long enough to make an impression, and to confirm that wanted to learn more about this work.
Zane discovered the EM-Tech program online, and was drawn in because it aligned with his career aspirations.
"It was incredible - I was learning so much, then the Metallica opportunity happened. I got a sweet Fluke 87 multimeter and funds for tuition, which let me dedicate myself to my studies."
"Zane has been an amazing student," says instructor Kalie Brunton. "Whenever I give his class a test, I always grade his first because if there's any kind of error in my key, Zane is going to find it."
Zane is excited to stay in the region. He has appreciated the opportunities he has had at CGCC, and the surprise boost he got from the Metallica Scholarship. "It was hard being laid off, but that's what got me to CGCC and what allowed the Metallica Scholarship to find me. My former supervisor was also laid off, but he found a sweet new job and is planning to hire me when I graduate!"
Nathan Pyles - Aviation Maintenance Technology
Nathan Pyles dove into his passion for technical and mechanical systems at Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) immediately after high school. His curiosity about how things work, the local Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program, and the secure future in aviation jobs led him to enroll.
"Winning the Metallica Scholarship improved my situation in several ways. First, it saved me huge money - I got all the basic tools I needed for the program. Second, having a high quality set of tools will make starting my career much easier. These tools are not just instruments; they represent the means to perfect my craft. This scholarship gave me what I need to succeed."
Upon completing the program, Nathan aims to secure a position with an airline, hopefully somewhere new. He sees himself continuously learning and advancing in his career while exploring the country or the world, leading to a specialized role or management position in the future.
Nathan is inspired by the aviation industry's complexity and constant innovation. The idea of being part of a team responsible for maintaining aircraft is both exciting and humbling. "My advice is to embrace the challenges and always be looking for opportunities. The program requires crazy attention to detail, but the Metallica Scholarship provides an incredible opportunity to get equipped for a successful career and some financial relief while you're learning."
Thomas Scott - Electro-Mechanical Technology
As Thomas Scott stepped out of high school, he had his sights set on combining his passion for technical work and his family's roots in the Columbia Gorge. Thomas's interest in electrical technology was sparked by his stepfather, who worked in renewable power and taught him to work on electrical and mechanical projects at home. Thomas' natural curiosity guided him towards Columbia Gorge Community College's (CGCC) Electro-Mechanical Technology (EM-Tech) program.
While still in high school, Thomas began laying the groundwork for his EM-Tech future. He completed the program's prerequisites, smoothing his transition into the program.
Through the Metallica Scholarship, Thomas received a set of essential tools, and financial assistance for his classes - resources that have been invaluable in his educational journey.
One of the aspects Thomas has most appreciated about the program is the numerous industry presentations, allowing students to connect with potential employers and explore the diverse career paths within the field. As Thomas nears graduation, he is focused on finding a job close to home in the renewable power sector.
Thomas's story is a testament to community colleges providing students with the skills, resources, and connections needed to succeed. With the support of the Metallica Scholars Initiative, Thomas is well on his way to turning his passion for electrical and mechanical work into a fulfilling career in the Columbia Gorge.
Spencer Taylor - Aviation Maintenance Technology
Spencer Taylor's educational journey began after he worked various jobs in the trades, learning the value of hard work, dedication, and teamwork. He also realized that most of these jobs would not meet his long-term financial goals, leaving him eager for a change.
Spencer was considering applying for the Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program at Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC), but was still working out if he could afford the cost. "The Metallica Scholarship was a beacon of hope and an important part of my education equation. This scholarship provided the security I needed to fully participate in the AMT program by getting me the set of tools I would need, and help with tuition. This allowed me to put all that money into my living expenses, which in turn allowed me to dive deep into school without (as many) financial worries".
Spencer aims to secure a stable aircraft maintenance technician job, providing the financial security he has been seeking. With time and experience, he hopes to specialize and eventually pursue leadership roles in his field. Spencer's advice to those feeling stuck or uncertain about their future is to consider the opportunities that technical education and opportunities like the Metallica Scholarship can offer. "If you keep your eyes on the goal, I'm sure it's possible for anyone to get there and build a future you can be proud of."
Trish Linebeck –Construction Technology
Trish got a job at CGCC just out of high school, working at The Hook, our campus cafe.
She was planning to take classes, but not sure about which direction to go. She met our lead Construction Technology instructor Glenn Wood in the lunch line and asked about his program. Mr. Wood described the program as professional and focused, requiring a high level of commitment. After careful consideration, Trish applied and was accepted and awarded a Metallica Scholarship. With minimal carpentry experience in her life before CGCC, Trish’s first few weeks were like taking a foreign language, but with tenacity and an uncanny ability to take eloquent and comprehensive notes, she has made slow but steady progress, until one day a few weeks ago... “I saw it happen,” says Mr. Wood. “She was working on a team project with one of our second year students and the light bulb just went on above her head and everything suddenly clicked!”
Trish is known to her classmates and teachers as being a consistent hard worker, always on time and focused on giving her all. The tool set she received as part of her Metallica Scholarship has helped her gain confidence, to come into her own. “Trish is just getting started,” says lead Construction Technology instructor Glenn Wood, “by the time she completes her program she’s going to be able to do whatever she chooses to do.”
Juliet Ancheta – Construction Technology
Juliet walked into CGCC in 2023 as a shy and quiet teenager who wanted to learn to work with her hands and with hopes of becoming a carpenter. In the first days of the Construction Technology program, students are informed that part of the curriculum is centered around collaborative group work where students would take turns leading projects. Juliet was at first very resistant to the notion of herself as an effective leader, sharing with her classmates that she had difficulty following the lessons and taking notes at the same time. Her class rallied and came up with the idea that she could use her phone to voice memo the class instruction so she could pay full attention in the moment and transcribe the notes later. Juliet’s previous life experience did not offer much positive experience with collaboration, so the open and helpful environment at CGCC has been revelatory for her. As her confidence has grown, Juliet has begun to voice a passion for engineering, and has recently asked her instructors to put her in touch with CGCC alumni (and fellow Metallica scholar Tristan Stein) who has gone on to open her own engineering business. “As Juliet continues to grow and master the challenges of the program, I will do all I can to help her move toward a career in engineering,” says CGCC Construction Technology lead instructor Glenn Wood.
Austen Piza – Advanced Manufacturing & Fabrication
Before he enrolled as a CGCC student in 2021, Austen worked in the automotive field, working for various businesses in his hometown of The Dalles, Oregon. Austen’s interest in welding got him a job at CGCC during the construction of the Columbia Gorge Regional Skills Center (the building that houses the program in which he is now enrolled). Austen helped build the welding stations his classmates use every day. Over the course of this project, Austen realized he wanted to up-level his skills and knowledge, and became aware of the Metallica Scholars opportunity. He applied for both, and was accepted as one of the first Metallica Scholars in CGCC’s first Advanced Manufacturing & Fabrication cohort. The tools he received as a Metallica Scholar and the part time job he maintains with the college played major roles in his ability to thrive. Having all the tools allowed Austen to contribute to several regional projects as part of CGCC’s economic development outreach with local businesses: from huge welding projects for the Port of Portland to CAD-designing custom playground equipment for Adventist Health Columbia Gorge, the Metallica Scholarship has allowed Austen to enhance his future with competence and self-confidence. Austen recently accepted a part time job at a local stainless steel welding business, and when he completes his AAS degree this spring, his new employer has promised a pay raise to honor his achievement.