Labor Education Program - University of Illinois

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/

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!

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/

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.

Labor Education Program | Women and Power: Building a Toolbox for Leadership | Online Registration 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

Congratulations to Krissy Weber, Business Manager at Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers Local 97 (Champaign, IL), on being named the Regina V. Polk Women’s Labor Leadership Alumna of the Year at this year’s Polk School, held in Ottawa, Illinois at the UAW Pat Greathouse Education Center.

This award honors the legacy of Regina V. Polk, a respected Teamsters Local 743 organizer and leader whose contributions to the labor movement continue to inspire.

What are you doing to celebrate May Day? Here at LEP, we are hosting the 2026 Regina V. Polk Women's Labor Leadership Conference at the Uaw Pat Greathouse Education Center with a group to amazing union leaders. Our international guest speaker Pinar Ozcan shared what May Day looks like in her union Oz iPlik iS in Türkiye.

Brendan Born celebrates completing the Labor Leadership Academy on April 11 alongside Bob Bruno 🎓
This program continues to equip labor leaders with the skills and knowledge to make an impact in their organizations and communities.

Looking for a class that connects real-world issues to the workplace?

LER 320: Gender, Race, Class, & Work dives into how identity and inequality shape work today and where it’s headed.

Don't miss it this fall 2026! Professor Emily E. LB. Twarog will be teaching this new class Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11AM - 12:20PM.