Labor Education Program - University of Illinois

09/18/2026

Join the Labor Education Program for History & Power of Labor on Saturday, October 3. This course explores working-class and labor history since the Civil War, highlighting pivotal moments including the Pullman Strike, the rise of the CIO, autoworker sit-down strikes, the Memphis Sanitation Strike, the Postal Workers Strike, and more.

Through history, discussion, and film, participants will explore the struggles that helped shape the labor movement we know today.

📅 Saturday, October 3, 2026
🔗 Register here: https://lep.illinois.edu/union-worker-education/labor-leadership/

08/28/2026

Congratulations to the graduating cohort of the 2025–2026 Women and Power: Building a Toolbox for Leadership class!

This joint leadership training between the Teamsters Union and the Labor Education Program included 60 hours of in-person and online learning, including developing and presenting a capstone project designed to strengthen leadership within participants’ union locals.

Congratulations to this dedicated group of labor leaders on completing the program and continuing to build their skills to make an impact in their unions and communities!

University of Illinois School of Labor and Employment Relations - LER

08/20/2026

The LEP faculty had a great time this week with AFSCME! Stephanie Seawell Fortado worked with the Illinois Labor History Society to run multiple labor history tours for AFSCME members from around the country. And along with Robert Bruno A.k. Emmert Emily E LB Twarog & Alison Dickson talked to 100s of union members about the benefits of labor education.

08/19/2026

From firefighters to school bus drivers to museum workers, AFSCME represents over 1.4 million workers. We are honored to spend the week with AFSCME at their international convention in Chicago spreading the word about labor education.

08/01/2026

Congratulations to Gus Wood on this outstanding recognition! 👏

Gus has been named one of just 14 finalists for the 2026 Stone Book Award by the Museum of African American History Boston, selected from hundreds of submissions. This prestigious recognition highlights the impact of his scholarship, with the award winner to be announced this September.

Please join us in congratulating Gus on this remarkable achievement and wishing him the best of luck! Read more about it below!

🔗https://www.maahstonebookaward.org/

07/30/2026

The Women of Steel Year 3 Communications class recently visited the Krannert Art Museum, where curator Amy Powell led a discussion of the Memorias de la Mujer Lotina: Arpilleras, Women, and Coal in Chile exhibition. Together, participants explored how art can be used to tell stories, strengthen communities, and communicate powerful messages.

Thank you to the Krannert Art Museum for an engaging and inspiring afternoon!

07/30/2026

During the third week of the USW Summer School, participants in the District 7 Women of Steel Year 3 Communications class welcomed Del Jacobs of the CLUW Hygiene Pantry and Laura Abbott, a journeyman with Plumbers Local 149. Together, they shared the impact of the local Hygiene Pantry and discussed strategies for engaging women workers and strengthening involvement in the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW).

Thank you to Del and Laura for sharing your expertise and inspiring the next generation of labor leaders!

07/08/2026

Ready to strengthen your leadership skills and make a greater impact in your union?

The Labor Leadership Academy Certificate Program provides current union leaders, new members, activists, union staff, and working individuals with the knowledge and tools to become stronger advocates in the workplace. Through seven interactive courses, participants explore topics including labor history, labor law, steward training, collective bargaining, organizing, economics, and media strategy, all while earning a certificate of completion.

Registration is now open for the Fall 2026 - Spring 2027 cohort!

🔗Learn more here: https://lep.illinois.edu/union-worker-education/labor-leadership/

06/09/2026

05/08/2026

Now accepting applications for the Regina V. Polk Women's Labor Leadership Conference Women and Power: Building a Toolbox for Leadership - this is an advanced leadership program for alumni of The Polk School that runs from October 2026-March 2027.

Application deadline is August 15, 2026.

Online Registration for Women and Power: Building a Toolbox for Leadership at Rice Building 815 West Van Buren, Ste. 110 Chicago, IL 60607 United States provided through Labor Education Program. Registration Software powered by ProClass