Woman and School for Workers 100 year logo

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.

Centennial Symposium

A century of Labor Education at School for Workers

September 19, 2025 |  1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

@UW-Madison Pyle Center

Join us for a free public symposium celebrating 100 years of the School for Workers. This afternoon event brings together faculty, scholars, and labor leaders to reflect on the school’s legacy and future in labor studies through panels on worker empowerment, academic research, and community partnerships. Open to all—students, faculty, and the public. Pre-register online by September 4 to receive a free 100th anniversary tote bag and refreshments ticket. Walk-ins also welcomed!

Learn more…

Fall institutes

Registration now open!

 

Production Standards in Union Settings

Online institute | Oct 05 – 26

Power and Purpose: Why Unions Matter

Residential institute | Oct 27 – 29

Worker’s Compensation

Residential institute | Nov 11 – 14

Collective Bargaining Institute

Residential institute | Dec 08 – 12

School for Workers news

Our news

  • University of Wisconsin Crest logo

    Fall 2025 Institutes now open for registration

    School for Workers is excited to announce that registration is now open for our Fall 2025 institutes. This season’s lineup features in-depth, university-level courses on key labor topics. Courses are taught by experienced faculty and designed …

  • University of Wisconsin Crest logo

    Labor Advisory Committee: FY26 Thank you and welcome

    Honoring departing members and greeting new voices at the table The Labor Advisory Committee plays a vital role in connecting educators, labor organizations, and students to ensure our programs remain relevant and high quality. Members …

  • University of Wisconsin Crest logo

    FY26 department chair announcement

    For the new fiscal year (July 1 – June 30), the School for Workers department has re-elected Professor Don Taylor the department chair. Professor Taylor will continue to oversee departmental activities, represent the department in …

  • More School for Workers news

In the news

National Labor College Legacy Institute

National Labor College logo with NLC large in red and the word National Labor College stacked in gray.

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.