Black Mountain Resources makes gift to Southeast

Black Mountain Resources, LLC, has given Southeast Kentucky Community amp; Technical College a gift of $70,000 for a scholarship endowment and for current scholarships. In addition, Black Mountain Resources has pledged an additional $40,000 for scholarships to be given over the next two years.

Additionally, the Kentucky Community and Technical College Systems endowment trust will match $50,000 of the total gift to the college of $110,000.

Our gift as well as the matching gift truly makes us partners with Southeast Kentucky Community amp; Technical College noted Ross Kegan, vice president of operations for the coal company. We are delighted to help provide the opportunity for people within the area to receive a quality education.

Kegan also noted his appreciation for Dr. Bruce Ayers, the long-time president of SKCTC.

We at Black Mountain Resources are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the college in its efforts to expand educational opportunities for our families. The efforts of Southeast to tailor curriculum to meet the needs of the region and even the needs of companies like ours does not go unrecognized, said Kegan.

He also noted that it is the desire of the coal company to create a positive legacy to be left behind once coal resources are depleted.

We consider this contribution to Southeast Kentucky Community amp; Technical College a part of our legacy and a down payment on the future of our region. We certainly recognize the value of higher education and its relationship to local economic opportunities. From a better-educated local population springs forth new ideas, new businesses, economic growth and higher-paying jobs.

Black Mountain Resources, LLC has nearly 600 employees and has mining operations in Harlan and Letcher counties.