Freeport-McMoRan and Education Forward Arizona are continuing their initiative to provide students with career opportunities in the mining sector.
The second year of the Guarantee Your Future with Freeport program will support at least 25 students by providing education, training, a paid summer internship, and job placement in one of six critical technical areas. Participants will earn a certificate or credential from a designated community college in Arizona, Colorado, or New Mexico.
The deadline to apply is February 15, the priority deadline is January 31, 2025. Applicants must be 18 or older by the time of employment.
Students in this innovative workforce development program will begin classes in August 2025 to obtain certification in one of six vital areas for the mining industry:
- Diesel technician
- Industrial electrical
- Process control/instrumentation technology
- Fixed plant maintenance/advanced manufacturing
- Heavy equipment operations
- Welding
The scholarship covers education expenses like tuition, fees, and books, and provides additional support for other attendance costs, such as food, housing, and transportation. Students must commit to working for the company for three years. Upon meeting program and employment requirements, they will be offered a full-time position at one of Freeport-McMoRan’s operations in Arizona, Colorado, or New Mexico.
To ensure student success, each scholarship recipient will be paired with an Education Forward Arizona Success Coach and a mentor from Freeport-McMoRan. Training will continue through a paid summer internship, where participants will gain hands-on experience in the industry.
“After a successful first year, we’re excited to continue the Guarantee Your Future with Freeport program and offer more Arizonans a pathway into high-demand, high-paying jobs,” said Tracy Bame, president of the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation and director of social responsibility at Freeport-McMoRan. “This program is creating a direct pipeline from education to employment, and we’re proud to see the positive impact it’s having on individuals, families and communities. By investing in local talent and providing access to training and education, we’re helping to strengthen Arizona’s workforce and drive economic growth.”
Freeport-McMoRan Inc., headquartered in Phoenix, manages extensive, long-lived, and geographically diverse assets, featuring substantial reserves of copper, gold, and molybdenum.