The purpose of the career and technical program is to “improve student achievement,” he said, and allow students options after graduation: a position in the coal industry or credits towards a degree, particularly those in mining engineering offered by several regional universities and technical schools.

Originally seeking a program for students that would improve science and mathematics knowledge, Hewlett said the coal academy direction has been one that has garnered support from many in the coal-rich area of southern Appalachia, so much so that he admits the progress the school has made is significantly faster than he anticipated.

“We’ve gotten extremely great support from the community,” he said, adding that their recent connection with the Southern States Energy Board has spiked interest even further.

On November 16, Hewlett and the committee in charge of putting together the Kentucky Junior Coal Academy – whose inaugural class totals 29 – held a meeting to formally introduce the program to the community and to the industry.

“I would estimate the crowd in attendance was over 200,” he said. “[It] was made up of students, parents, university representatives which included some presidents, state department officials, politicians, city officials … and many high level coal company officials.”

Hewlett was pleased with the turnout but especially so with the number of coal industry representatives present.

During the program, Hewlett said he had an opportunity to outline the program while others described the curriculum and the program. A student also took the stage to give those in attendance his take on this new endeavour.

Hewlett said it was important to note that while the program is receiving a lot of positive feedback thus far, it is still in a pilot state – an opportunity to test the waters and see if the program continues with the momentum it currently has. “We are continually making changes and adjusting the curriculum as well as instruction,” he said.

He and the advisory committee for the Kentucky Junior Coal Academy are currently on a schedule that will allow them to convene regularly to make adjustments and decisions on the program’s infrastructure.

The group is also in talks to join forces with more technical colleges and universities to broaden the opportunities for the students in the academy, whose credits will be transferable. Big Sandy Community and Technical College has been one significant partner in that program and in sharing its resources.

Due to federal regulations regarding age restrictions, Hewlett said the initial class has not yet gone underground but that he intends to find a way to get them there and witness the inner workings of an active operation. In the meantime, he said, the Beckley Exhibition Mine in West Virginia is a potential field trip for the group.

He said the impetus for the program’s establishment was not the industry’s skills crisis, but rather the desire to bring greater achievement to students through opportunities within the coal industry.

“It is important to remember that our goal is to educate children to be successful members of society, and the academy is one of our many programs to help accomplish this goal.”

For more information on the staff, curriculum, resources and opportunities provided by the Kentucky Junior Coal Academy, check out the March 2007 edition of American Longwall Magazine.