We are proud to support coal utilization and the education of those who will shape the future of our industry.

Since 1994, we have contributed over $1,349,000 to coal education through our donations to CEDAR, College Scholarships, and The Challenger Learning Center.

Our College Scholarship Program, established in 1997, was created to support students pursuing degrees in fields related to the coal industry. Currently, $2,000 scholarships are awarded to eight two-year colleges that offer Mining Technology or Mining Engineering programs. To date, we have distributed approximately $665,000 in scholarship funds to these institutions.

Donations to CEDAR support educational initiatives for students in grades K–12. During the 2023–2024 fiscal year, a total of $14,000 was contributed to this important cause.

The following CEDAR Chapters continue to receive funding.

• • East Kentucky
  • West Kentucky Cedar 
  • Indiana

To learn more about CEDAR, please click HERE.

In 2024, The Coal Institute launched a new program awarding two $2,500 college scholarships to family members of Institute members. We have named this scholarship the Ron Whalen Scholarship after honorary member, Ron Whalen, who has devoted many years to making The Institute what it is today. 

We’re excited to continue this initiative for many years to come!