Around the Company in Pictures: El Paso Continues Earth Day STEM Tradition ‘Our Power, Our Planet’

May 11, 2026 - Freeport’s El Paso operation recently marked Earth Day by bringing hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum to area students. The site partnered with the local Ramona STEM Academy to host the annual event, extending an effort that has lasted more than 15 years.

Built around the theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” the event brought together Freeport employees and more than 20 community partners to deliver a full day of hands-on STEM activities at the school. Hundreds of students participated, rotating through interactive exhibits, demonstrations and classroom activities. Rita Lloyd-Mills, Manager, Social Performance-Discontinued and Downstream Operations, said the event would not have been possible without the work of Freeport employees and other volunteers, who supported stations and engaged with students throughout the day.

School leaders expressed appreciation for Freeport's ongoing commitment to the school and said the relationship has helped strengthen connections with the community while supporting the school's broader STEM initiatives.

“Ramona STEM Academy would like to give a big thank you to Freeport-McMoRan for their continued support as an incredible partner in education,” said Ramona STEM Academy principal Darlene Martinez. “This year, their generosity helped nearly 400 of our students connect with community agencies as part of our annual Earth Day celebration—one of our favorite traditions.  Students explored hands-on exhibits that sparked curiosity and inspired new interest in future careers in science and math.”

Photos (clockwise from top left): A banner welcomes the Freeport team for what academy leadership calls one of its favorite traditions; this year’s theme emphasized the important connection between energy, innovation and environmental responsibility; Theo Perkins and Alyssa Capriotti, both Environmental Scientist II, speak with some of the Ramona STEM Academy students about the importance of pollinators; with McGruff the Crime Dog on the scene, Freeport wasn’t the only familiar presence at the annual Earth Day celebration.