FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - The House Education Committee is expected to consider a proposal Tuesday to fund scholarships for Appalachian college students with revenue from a tax on coal mined in the mountain region.

The proposal is a spinoff from an earlier recommendation to create a public university in central Appalachia to boost educational levels and spur the economy. That idea appears to stand little chance of legislative approval this year.

House Speaker Greg Stumbo said the scholarship proposal could help eastern Kentucky residents attend one of several private colleges in the region. Besides the University of Pikeville, eastern Kentucky is home to Alice Lloyd College, Clear Creek Baptist Bible College, Kentucky Mountain Bible College, the University of the Cumberlands and Union College.

The meeting is set for 8 a.m. EST.

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