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!
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
Residential institute | Nov 11 – 14
Collective Bargaining Institute
Residential institute | Dec 08 – 12
School for Workers news
Our news
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 …
July 7, 2025Labor 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 …
July 1, 2025FY26 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 …
July 1, 2025- More School for Workers news
In the news
Inaugural Wisconsin Conference on Latino Arts and Culture highlights a range of electric artists, performers, speakers and scholars
The keynote lunch address on May 3 was “Voces Unbound: Immigration, protests, and the Power of Community Art” with UW-Madison professor Dr. Armando Ibarra…On May 2, a large protest for immigrant and worker rights occurred …
May 9, 2025Those touched by asbestos share a cautionary tale about worker safety — and their fears of backsliding
Worker advocates said they fear the past is prologue as they discussed the history of corporate malfeasance in hiding the dangers of asbestos at a Bloomington plant. Ericka Wills is a labor activist and professor …
May 1, 2025- 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.