Vincennes University, the designated trainer for coal miners in Indiana, has agreed to deliver coal mining classes at Branchville Correctional Facility to assist in the rehabilitation of inmates and their return to the workforce.
Vincennes University will offer two classes as part of its coal mining training: New Miner Underground and New Miner Surface. All classes will be delivered in 8-hour modules at the facility for classes of three to fifteen students. Moreover, only qualified and eligible offenders can participate, and to determine eligibility, Indiana Department of Corrections staff review offender records and assess their career interest surveys.
A federal grant is providing the funds for the training. The coal mining training program is a unique undertaking for a correctional system. Given the significant history of coal mining in Indiana and the current economic climate, the Indiana Coal Council and its membership are to be commended for their support of this endeavor.
