One former coal miner is thanking a nonprofit after he received a college degree on Friday.

Brandon Pierson worked in the coal mines for five years, until he was laid off in 2015.He then received help from the Center for Rural Development’s Displaced Coal Miner Training Program.

The program provides assistance to former coal miners or coal employees who reside in 13 Kentucky counties. Those counties are Bell, Clay, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Leslie, Harlan, McCreary, Owsley, Perry, Pulaski, Rockcastle and Whitley.

Applicants must have at least one year of employment in the coal mine industry within the last five years to qualify for the program.

On Friday, Pierson graduated with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice.

Source: Nonprofit helps former coal miner earn degree