Sessions of 2026 Connection Conference: Whitney Lennon
Lennon, Whitney
Education Program Director
Arizona Mining Association
Whitney Lennon is proud to serve as the Education Program Director for the Arizona Mining Association, supporting K-12 mining education, mining awareness, and workforce career pathways. She previously led community outreach efforts at Grupo Mexico ASARCO, focusing on educational initiatives. In her free time, she enjoys mountain biking and traveling with her significant other, Jason.
Sessions:
5524: CalPortland Cement Plant Engineering Tour: A Small Group Exposure
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CalPortland Rillito Cement Plant
- Construction Science Technologies
- Engineering, Manufacturing
Closed-toe, closed-heel, long pants, shirts with sleeves (no tank tops) are required. Designed for CTE engineering teachers, this exclusive tour offers an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at CalPortland’s modern cement mining operation. Participants will explore engineering processes, equipment, and process controls, seeing how classroom concepts in engineering and technology are applied in real-world industrial settings. This hands-on experience is an opportunity for teachers to connect curriculum to industry, inspire students, and strengthen STEM education with real-world applications. It's recommended to join the "Beyond Copper: Explore Careers in Mining by Touring CalPortland" preceding this session. For safety reasons, participation in the mine tour requires a reasonable level of physical fitness. The tour may involve walking long distances, uneven or slippery surfaces, low lighting, confined spaces, and climbing or descending stairs or ladders. Participants should be comfortable with these conditions and free from medical conditions that could be aggravated by physical exertion or underground environments. Appropriate footwear and protective equipment must be worn at all times, and all safety instructions from tour guides must be followed. Session will take place from 11am to 2pm. Lunch will be provided.
5520: Beyond Copper: Explore Careers in Mining by Touring CalPortland
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Westin La Paloma
- Construction Science Technologies
- Interdisciplinary
Closed-toe and closed-heel shoes, long pants, and shirts with sleeves (no tank tops) are required. Arizona’s mining industry extends far beyond copper—cement and aggregate operations are essential sectors offering diverse, high-demand career pathways for CTE students. Step beyond the classroom for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of CalPortland’s quarry and mill. Participants will observe how raw materials are transformed into cement, understand the difference between cement and concrete, and hear directly from industry professionals about how education connects to real-world operations. This immersive experience equips educators with concrete examples and industry insight to inspire students to explore careers in engineering, skilled trades, environmental stewardship, human resources, and safety management. Lunch will be provided. 8am to noon.
5512: Mining 101: Crash Course
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Westin La Paloma
- Construction Science Technologies
- Interdisciplinary
This session gives Arizona teachers a relaxed, accessible introduction to the basics of mining and its role in everyday life. Participants will learn how mining works, the materials produced in Arizona, and the wide range of high‑quality career pathways the industry offers. The session also highlights how mining connects to safety, communities, the environment, and the economy, helping educators build confidence in discussing these topics with students. Attending teachers will receive a copy of the presentation for classroom use. The presenter is also an exhibitor.
5513: Where Should the Mine Go? A Multidisciplinary STEM Lab
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Westin La Paloma
- Engineering, Manufacturing
- Interdisciplinary
In this interactive session, by the Arizona Mining Association, participants will explore Dig a Little Deeper, a free virtual lab from the free Dig Into Mining curriculum, where students take on the roles of a geologist, environmental scientist, and mining engineer. Working together, they study data and recommend the best location for a copper mine, considering environmental and economic impacts. The session highlights how real-world problems rely on multidisciplinary collaboration and critical thinking - connecting science, math, engineering, and technology. Educators will receive practical tools and strategies to bring this engaging lesson into their classrooms. Presenter is an exhibitor, sharing free mining education resources.
