In this presentation, opportunities for using coal as a precursor for value-added products will be reviewed. Research needs and priority research directions for enabling the development of energy-efficient and cost-effective processes for refining coal into precursors for manufacturing products, such as mesoporous and activated carbon, metallurgical coal, carbon fibers, electrodes for energy storage devices, electronic devices, materials for thermal management, construction materials, etc., will also be reviewed. The value of public-private partnerships for achieving these goals will be discussed, along with opportunities for developing economic and workforce development programs in coal communities.