Coalfield Development

Coalfield Development is rebuilding the Appalachian economy from the ground up. Through employment social enterprises, this West Virginia-based organization creates new jobs for people facing barriers to employment. After an initial six months in the Workforce Readiness And Professional Success program, participants either graduate into the private sector or become “Crew Members” with a Coalfield-owned and operated social enterprise. Crew Members work each week according to the 33-6-3 model: 33 hours of paid work, 6 hours of higher education, and 3 hours of personal development. Since its founding in 2010, Coalfield Development has created more than 1,200 new jobs. These jobs have been created in sustainable sectors which inspire a post-coal economy that’s more just and more equitable.