(a) Establishment

The Secretary of Education (referred to in this section as the “Secretary”), in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall establish a program to provide scholarships to eligible individuals to increase the skilled workforce for both private sector coal mine operators and mine safety inspectors and other regulatory personnel for the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

(b) Fundamental skills scholarships

(1) In general

Under the program under subsection (a), the Secretary may award scholarship to fully or partially pay the tuition costs of eligible individuals enrolled in 2-year associate's degree programs at community colleges or other colleges and universities that focus on providing the fundamental skills and training that is of immediate use to a beginning coal miner.

(2) Skills

The skills described in paragraph (1) shall include basic math, basic health and safety, business principles, management and supervisory skills, skills related to electric circuitry, skills related to heavy equipment operations, and skills related to communications.

(3) Eligibility

To be eligible to receive a scholarship under this subsection an individual shall—

(A) have a high school diploma or a GED;

(B) have at least 2 years experience in full-time employment in mining or mining-related activities;

(D) demonstrate an interest in working in the field of mining and performing an internship with the Mine Safety and Health Administration or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Office of Mine Safety.

(1) In general

Under the program under subsection (a), the Secretary may award scholarship to fully or partially pay the tuition costs of eligible individuals enrolled in undergraduate bachelor's degree programs at accredited colleges or universities that provide the skills needed to become mine safety inspectors.

(2) Skills

The skills described in paragraph (1) include skills developed through programs leading to a degree in mining engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, environmental engineering, industrial hygiene, occupational health and safety, geology, chemistry, or other fields of study related to mine safety and health work.

(3) Eligibility

To be eligible to receive a scholarship under this subsection an individual shall—

(A) have a high school diploma or a GED;

(B) have at least 5 years experience in full-time employment in mining or mining-related activities;

(D) agree to be employed for a period of at least 5 years at the Mine Safety and Health Administration or, to repay, on a pro-rated basis, the funds received under this program, plus interest, at a rate established by the Secretary upon the issuance of the scholarship.

(d) Advanced research scholarships

(1) In general

Under the program under subsection (a), the Secretary may award scholarships to fully or partially pay the tuition costs of eligible individuals enrolled in undergraduate bachelor's degree, masters degree, and Ph.D. degree programs at accredited colleges or universities that provide the skills needed to augment and advance research in mine safety and to broaden, improve, and expand the universe of candidates for mine safety inspector and other regulatory positions in the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

(2) Skills

(3) Eligibility

To be eligible to receive a scholarship under this subsection an individual shall—

(A) have a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited 4-year institution;

(B) have at least 5 years experience in full-time employment in underground mining or mining-related activities; and

(e) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.