The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is pleased to announce a partnership with JBS Tolleson, Arizona’s branch of JBS USA, to provide free tuition to all qualifying JBS Tolleson team members and their dependents.
The nationwide program, JBS USA Better Futures, removes a major financial barrier to college attendance and stands to become the largest free community college tuition program in rural America. JBS and college advisors will also help team members – many from first-generation American families – navigate the application process, which can be a deterrence to people applying to college for the first time.
"We are proud to support JBS and their Better Futures tuition assistance program on both a local level through our 10 Colleges and on a national level through Rio National," said MCCCD Interim Chancellor Dr. Steven R. Gonzales. 'Whether an employee works at the JBS facility in Tolleson or at one of their more rural locations throughout the country, our District is equipped to help them learn, develop, and grow as they work toward their future goals."
As a large employer in many rural communities, JBS USA believes providing free access to community college and technical training programs can help play a role in sustainably building rural economies and making a lasting and meaningful difference in people’s lives.
"JBS Tolleson is grateful for its partnership with Maricopa Community Colleges to provide quality and convenient education opportunities for our team members and their dependents," said Jerry Brown, JBS Tolleson plant manager. "We believe there are brighter and better futures ahead for our Tolleson community."
The first class of students was eligible for the 2021/2022 school year, at any of the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges. Students also have the opportunity to pursue an online education at Rio Salado College, the company’s national online partner and one of the Maricopa Community Colleges.
The Better Futures program, announced in March, is part of the company’s Hometown Strong initiative announced last year. Strengthening the communities where JBS USA team members live and work is an ongoing priority. Funding for Better Futures is in addition to $100 million for Hometown Strong investments and will allow the company to continue advancing the commitment to its team members and people in its hometowns across the country.
The JBS USA Tolleson beef production facility employs 1,741 people with an annual payroll of more than $81 million. The facility supports more than 600 producers, paying them more than $790 million per year for their livestock.
JBS USA anchors dozens of rural communities – operating more than 60 meat, poultry and prepared foods plants and employing 66,000-plus people.