This article describes how out-of-work miners are engaged in the Empowering Education Initiative, a unique alliance between Country Music Television (CMT) and community colleges in Appalachia. The initiative, which includes a website and a series of country music concerts, is changing the conversation in the Appalachian region, giving hope to laid-off miners and providing access to job-training programs that hold the promise of a new life for the miners and their families. A section titled "Easing Economic Transitions: Appalachian Community Colleges Focus on Partnerships to Boost Local Economies" by Earl Gohl provides the following examples of community colleges across the Appalachian region partnering with industry and government sectors to bring critical investments to communities: Appalachia Partnership Initiative; Chattanooga State Community College; Garrett College; New College Institute; and Southeast Kentucky Community Technical College.