Guest ContributorEducation Forward Arizona and Freeport-McMoRan are continuing a workforce initiative aimed at connecting Arizonans directly to high-demand careers in the state鈥檚 mining industry.
Now entering its third year, the 鈥淕uarantee Your Future with Freeport鈥� program will provide at least 30 participants with full scholarship support to pursue an associate of applied science (A.A.S.) degree and industry certification through participating Arizona community colleges. The program covers tuition, fees and books, and also provides assistance with cost-of-attendance expenses such as housing, food and transportation.
The initiative focuses on preparing students for critical technical roles that are essential to mining operations and the broader industrial economy. Participants can pursue training in priority technical fields such as diesel technology and fixed plant maintenance or advanced manufacturing. Additional career pathways include electrical and instrumentation, process automation and welding.
Students in the program will also complete a paid summer internship with Freeport-McMoRan, gaining hands-on experience and exposure to career opportunities across the company鈥檚 operations in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas. Those who successfully complete both the scholarship program and internship may be eligible for job placement, provided all hiring requirements are met.
鈥淕uarantee Your Future with Freeport represents the kind of bold, employer-driven partnership Arizona needs,鈥� said Tracy Bame, president of the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation and director of social responsibility at Freeport-McMoRan. 鈥淎longside Education Forward Arizona, we are investing in local talent, building a skilled workforce and creating clear pathways to meaningful, high-paying careers that strengthen families and communities.鈥�
To support participants throughout the program, each student is paired with both an Education Forward Arizona success coach and a Freeport-McMoRan mentor, helping guide them from enrollment through potential employment.
The program comes at a time when Arizona is working to increase postsecondary attainment and expand the pipeline of skilled workers needed to support the state鈥檚 growing economy.
鈥淭his initiative brings education and industry together in a powerful way,鈥� said Rich Nickel, president and CEO of Education Forward Arizona. 鈥淏y aligning training with real workforce needs and providing comprehensive support along the way, we are helping more Arizonans gain the skills and credentials required to thrive in today鈥檚 economy. Partnerships like this are essential to achieving our state鈥檚 attainment goals and ensuring Arizona remains competitive.鈥�
The program builds on a longstanding partnership between Education Forward Arizona and Freeport-McMoRan, including the Freeport-McMoRan Native American Scholarship Program. Together, the initiatives aim to expand access to postsecondary education and career training opportunities for Arizona students while strengthening the state鈥檚 education-to-workforce pipeline.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of employment with Freeport-McMoRan. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2026. More information about the program and application details are available through .
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