A powerful partnership between Perpetua Resources and College of Western Idaho (CWI) is opening doors for Idaho students to pursue meaningful careers in mining, thanks to a new $250,000 scholarship fund and a shared commitment to workforce development.
During an Aug. 6 visit to Valley County, U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Idaho Governor Brad Little joined Perpetua Resources to highlight the strategic value of the Stibnite Gold Project. Designed to supply the nation’s only domestic source of antimony — a critical mineral for defense and energy applications — the project also promises to generate family-wage jobs in rural Idaho.
Perpetua’s partnership with CWI was at the heart of the event. The company announced the creation of the Stibnite Launch Scholarship, which will support 12 or more CWI students annually for the next three years, and at least three students per year beyond that. These scholarships are specifically designed for students in CWI’s Geosciences and Mining Technician programs, helping them access hands-on, real-world training that leads directly to high-skill, high-demand jobs in Idaho’s mining sector.
“This partnership expands hands-on learning and workforce opportunities for our students, while also supporting the economic vitality of Idaho,” said CWI President Gordon Jones. “By working together, we are preparing Idahoans for essential careers and ensuring our communities thrive for generations to come.”
Governor Little applauded the collaboration, emphasizing how business and education partnerships help grow the state’s workforce and economy. The Stibnite Launch Scholarship is also structured to complement the Idaho LAUNCH program, which covers up to 80 percent of tuition and fees for eligible students. The Perpetua-funded scholarship can cover the remaining cost — closing the financial gap for students and empowering them to complete their education debt-free.
Secretary Chavez-DeRemer and Governor Little also held a roundtable discussion with Perpetua Resources, project partners, and local education leaders, including CWI President Gordon Jones and CWI geosciences student, Kaylene Cecil, to learn more about the opportunities mining is creating for Idahoans.
Cecil shared that her interest in Stibnite Gold project stemmed from the Perpetua and CWI partnership, and her belief that education about modern-day mining will help create the pathways students need to explore a future career in mining. President Jones added that higher education needs to design for outcomes and help students connect with jobs and careers that lead to better futures.
Through this partnership, students enrolled in CWI’s Mining Technician program gain exposure to Idaho’s evolving mining landscape. The program equips students with foundational knowledge in geology, environmental science, safety, and mining operations, preparing them for a variety of roles in both surface and underground mining environments. With industry-backed training and local career connections, students graduate ready to contribute to Idaho’s economy and its critical mineral supply chain.
Interested in starting a career in mining? Learn more about CWI’s Mining Technician and Geosciences programs.
