Metallica’s Foundation Honors MCC Student with Wolverine Recognition

In Fall 2025, Paige O’Connor, of Cambridge, completed an electronics course at Middlesex Community College fully funded by Metallica’s Foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), through the Metallica Scholars Initiative. This summer, O’Connor was recognized by AWMH and Wolverine as a standout Metallica Scholar.

“Receiving the Wolverine Recognition means the world to me because it shows that my professors truly believe in my potential,” O’Connor said. “Participating in the Metallica Scholars Program has been an incredible experience – one of the absolute highlights of the program is knowing it sets students up for success. I learned technical soldering skills that I can use daily, and there are so many professional pathways to move toward.”

Since 2019, Wolverine and Metallica Scholars have partnered together to release collections of co-branded boots and apparel, with half of proceeds benefiting the Metallica Scholars Initiative and career and technical education programs across the country. Their recognition of students like O’Connor is the latest initiative in their ongoing partnership.

O’Connor received a voucher for a free pair of boots at Wolverine. She was also gifted a custom-branded Bluetooth speaker, a poster featuring Wolverine and Metallica Scholars art by frequent Metallica collaborator WolfSkullJack, and Wolverine and Metallica Scholars socks, bandana and stickers.

O’Connor was nominated for the recognition by her professors in the Metallica Scholars Initiative and MCC’s computer aided design (CAD) program. Middlesex Assistant Professor of Engineering Angel Escalona believes she is “a great example of what a Metallica Scholar should be.”

“She is a hardworking student who is always willing to learn new things and improve her skills,” Escalona said. “Paige stays focused on her goals and puts in the effort to succeed. She is also kind and respectful, and she is always willing to help other students when they need support. Paige is a very positive person who is always full of energy, and she brings a great attitude to everything she does. Her strong work ethic, motivation, and willingness to learn and help others make her very deserving of this award.”

Graduating from Simpson College in marketing communications and journalism in 2022, O’Connor wanted to continue her education in the hopes of turning her passion into a career. After purchasing a 3D printer, she decided to pursue an associate degree in CAD at MCC to put her on track to one day become an engineer.

After taking two online courses in 3D modeling and drafting, O’Connor started taking on-campus classes. She loved the experience of practicing hands-on in the lab and connecting with Middlesex professors, including Escalona, Cristopher Algarra and Nicoleta Fattorini. This work led to her involvement in the Metallica Scholars Initiative and being recognized with the Wolverine recognition.

Middlesex was selected from a competitive field of community colleges across the country to receive $100,000 in 2022 from AWMH. With the initial and other rounds of funding, MCC’s Corporate Education and Training division offers an electronics course to teach participants the knowledge and skills they need to be hired into entry-level positions in the advanced manufacturing field.

The program provides students with the skills to work in CAD Technician and Engineering Technician jobs. In addition to gaining hands-on experience in the field, O’Connor receives career advising, professional development, and access to MCC’s student support services such as free tutoring.

After completing the Metallica Scholars program, she was able to begin working in the industry. She credits MCC for “opening the doors” for her to become a PCB Designer at MIT Lincoln Laboratory while she completes her degree program.

“The support I’ve received at MCC has already made a massive impact on my career goals,” O’Connor said. “Enrolling here has truly changed my life for the better, and I am incredibly grateful for the endless support and opportunities I’ve been given.”

Learn more about MCC’s Metallica Scholars Initiative!