During a recent site visit at its Stibnite Gold project with the US Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Governor Brad Little, Perpetua Resources announced a new education and job training partnership with the College of Western Idaho (CWI).

To advance its commitment to hiring locally, the company announced the creation of the Stibnite Launch Scholarship to support CWI's Geosciences Department, helping prepare students with real-world, hands-on training for high-skill jobs in Idaho's mining sector. 

Perpetua presented CWI with a $250,000 check to fund scholarships for 12 or more CWI Geosciences and Mining Technician students each year for the next three years and at least three students per year thereafter.

"Partnerships like this between Idaho businesses and our higher education institutions mean we can keep jobs, economic benefits, and expertise right here in Idaho. I appreciate Perpetua Resources for its commitment to supporting students and families and strengthening rural Idaho," Governor Little said in a statement.

Designed to complement the Idaho LAUNCH grant program, which provides students a one-time opportunity to have 80% of their tuition and fees covered at an eligible institution, the Stibnite Launch Scholarship can fund the remaining 20% of a CWI student recipient's tuition and fees, closing the funding gap and providing financial relief to eligible students.    

 "This partnership expands hands-on learning and workforce opportunities for our students, while also supporting the economic vitality of Idaho. By working together, we are preparing Idahoans for essential careers and ensuring our communities thrive for generations to come,"said CWI President Gordon Jones. 

Idaho LAUNCH was created by Governor Little in 2023 to help Idaho students receive the training they needed to fill rewarding, well-paying jobs in the state. To date, nearly 11,000 Idaho graduating high school seniors and over 10,000 adults have taken advantage of LAUNCH grants.