Four students smiling in different outdoor settings, representing scholarship recipients

October 12, 2021

Freeport-McMoRan Foundation and Education Forward Arizona Award Scholarships to 38 Students

Thirty-eight students recently began the 2021/2022 academic year with funds and support to attend a college or university thanks to scholarships from Education Forward Arizona and the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation.

The Education Forward Arizona scholarships, awarded to 15 Arizona high school seniors this year, provide up to $6,000 per year (renewable for four years) for educational expenses. Students come from low-income households and from underrepresented communities.

The Freeport-McMoRan Native American Scholarships, managed by Education Forward Arizona, were awarded to 23 students this year. The scholarships provide $5,000 to students attending a university or tribal college and $2,500 to students attending a community college, and are renewable for four years. Students must be an enrolled member of one of the qualifying Tribes or Nations which include the Hualapai Tribe, San Carlos Apache Tribe, White Mountain Apache Tribe or Tohono O’odham Nation.

In addition to the scholarships, each recipient receives specialized support services from Education Forward Arizona Success Advisers, key to ensuring that students successfully navigate their educational path, persist through higher education and graduate with a degree or credential.

“This year, more than any other year, students need as much support as possible as they pursue their postsecondary education,” said Rich Nickel, President and CEO of Education Forward Arizona. “The scholarships help them start the process and Success Advisers help to ensure they persist to completion. To date, our Success Advisers have assisted more than 600 students on their postsecondary journey.”

Education Forward Arizona scholarship recipients include:

“The Freeport-McMoRan Foundation is deeply committed to helping students from tribal communities pursue higher education,” said Tracy Bame, President of the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation. “We are especially pleased that we were able to award an increased number of scholarships this year and include the support services for the first time to ensure these students have the best possible opportunity for success. We look forward to following their journey.”

Freeport-McMoRan Native American College Scholarship recipients include:

Students pictured are Kristiann Ferreira, Shailene Edwards, Tyler Belknap and April Victor.