Education Forward AZ & Freeport-McMoRan Launch Groundbreaking Career Pathway – Deadline Feb. 15
ARIZONA — Education Forward Arizona and Freeport-McMoRan are proud to announce the continuation of the successful Guarantee Your Future with Freeport program, now entering its second year. This initiative is designed to engage ambitious individuals through an innovative scholarship and job placement program.
Building on last year’s success, 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. Students will earn a certificate or credential from a designated community college in Arizona, Colorado, or New Mexico.
Participants in this innovative workforce development program will begin classes in August 2025 to earn a certification in one of six areas vital to the mining industry:
- Diesel Technician
- Industrial Electrical
- Process Control/Instrumentation Technology
- Fixed Plant Maintenance/Advanced Manufacturing
- Heavy Equipment Operations
- Welding
This scholarship covers education expenses (tuition, fees, books, etc.) and assists with other costs of attendance (food, housing, transportation, etc.). Students must commit to work for the company for three years, and upon fulfilling program and employment requirements, participants will be offered a full-time position at one of Freeport-McMoRan’s Arizona, Colorado, or New Mexico operations.
Participants must be 18 years or older at the time of employment with Freeport-McMoRan. The priority deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 31, and final deadline is Feb. 15, 2025. To apply, visit Educationforwardarizona.org/futurewithfreeport/.
“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.”
To help ensure student success, each scholarship recipient will be paired with an Education Forward Arizona Success Coach, as well as a mentor from Freeport-McMoRan. Training will continue during a paid summer internship, where participants will gain real-world experience in the industry.
“We’re thrilled to build on the momentum of last year’s success as we continue our partnership with Freeport-McMoRan on the Guarantee Your Future with Freeport program,” said Rich Nickel, President and CEO of Education Forward Arizona. “This program exemplifies Freeport-McMoRan’s commitment to driving economic growth and expanding opportunity for Arizonans. By working together, we’re opening doors for students to gain essential skills for high-demand careers, supporting workforce development, and building a more resilient future for Arizona’s economy.”
The continuation of this workforce development initiative builds upon the longstanding relationship between Education Forward Arizona and Freeport-McMoRan, which includes the successful administration of the Freeport-McMoRan Native American Scholarship Program. Guarantee Your Future with Freeport builds on their previous $9 million investment aimed at increasing access to higher education for Native American students. Through this program, Education Forward Arizona has supported hundreds of Native American students on their journey to obtaining postsecondary certificates, associate, or bachelor’s degrees.
