School for Workers is the original university-based labor education program in the United States. Starting in 1925 as one of the first operational components of the Wisconsin Idea, the school has a long tradition of evolving alongside the current needs of working people, labor organizations, and community partners. Today, the tradition continues, as School for Workers carries our mission forward throughout Wisconsin and beyond.
Registration now open!
Fall 2024 institutes
School for Workers institutes are high-quality, noncredit courses taught by university faculty. Fall 2024 includes both residential institutes that are 1 – 5 days long in Madison, and three-week online institutes. Registration is now open!
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Labor Forward
October 16, 2024 @ 12:00 p.m. (CT)
Guest to be announced
Join us on the third Wednesday of every month at noon (CT) for the Labor Forward forum. At the forum, School for Workers faculty interview advocates of the labor/worker movement to highlight their important work, celebrate their progress, and learn from their unique experiences. The forum is free, pre-registration is required to receive the webinar link.
On-demand institutes
Registration is always open!
On-demand institutes are comprehensive, non-credit courses developed by university faculty at the affordable tuition rate of $99 per course. The course is divided into units with various readings, short videos, and supportive documents to explore a set topic. Participants can access the course 24/7, for up to six months after registration, to explore and complete the course material.
Courses now available:
- 20th Century Labor History
- Essentials for Union Stewards
- Fundamentals of the Family Medical Leave Act
School for Workers news
Our news
Honoring Dr. Irving Brotslaw, emeritus faculty
Dr. Irving Brotslaw – tireless activist, devoted teacher, and inveterate story-teller – passed peacefully on October 3rd at age 95. Irving Brotslaw was a devoted labor educator who anchored the School for Workers in Milwaukee …
October 7, 2024Registration deadline extended – Worker’s Comp institutes
Registration for Intro to Worker’s Comp and Advanced Worker’s Comp is extended through October 4, 2024. Intro to Worker’s Comp Residential institute @ University of Wisconsin-Madison Fluno Center | October 22, 2024 @ 8:30 am …
September 18, 2024We’ve moved!
The School for Workers department has moved! Our new address is: School for Workers Room 1140 WARF 610 Walnut St Madison, WI 53726
August 29, 2024- More School for Workers news
In the news
UW Professor says Automation a Big Part of Longshoremen’s Strike
A UW Madison professor says the threat of job losses due to automation is a big part of the East Coast longshoremen’s strike. Michael Childers says the two sides aren’t really far apart. “I think …
October 3, 2024Port worker strike expected to impact Wisconsin
Wisconsin grocery shoppers should not see an immediate impact from the longshoremen’s strike, but experts say it’s only a matter of time. Michael Childers teaches labor relations at the UW-Madison School of Business. In an …
October 2, 2024- More articles and interviews
National Labor College Legacy Institute
School for Workers is proud to be recognized as a National Labor College (NLC) Legacy Institute. As a Legacy Institute, the Board of Trustees of NLC recommends School for Workers to all members of the labor movement as an institute where they can access high-quality labor education offerings.