School of Labor and Employment Relations

The Labor School

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The Labor School

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The Labor School

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The Staff Training for Strong Unions

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The Labor Activist Academy

Education, Voice, Power

The Labor School is Penn State’s outreach program to the Pennsylvania labor movement, providing low-cost education and training programs for workers and their organizations throughout the state. The purpose of The Labor School at Penn State is to advance the University’s land grant mission by helping to build an inclusive, democratic society. 

We provide educational opportunities that give voice to Pennsylvania workers and strengthen their organizations. We offer multi-union programs designed to promote recognition of the shared challenges facing workers, as well as special events and workshops on current issues. In addition, we assist local, regional, and national unions and labor organizations by designing custom education programs.

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“With over two decades in Glaziers Local 252, my opinion on unionism was solid but I have gained a great amount of knowledge and a broader perspective on our mission as a labor movement. The discussions on diversity, history, labor law, and present times have strengthened my views for a better future. The class was an engaging open forum where we could listen and respect other opinions. If you want to grow and stand firm with your Union, this class is for you!”
Roberto Rios Jr.IUPAT District Council 21
“Coming from a higher ed union, meeting and learning from the diverse perspectives and experiences of union leaders from across the city and region was invaluable to me. I found [the Labor Activist Academy] to be a warm and welcoming learning community to find out about the latest union strategies and tactics, to form deep relationships with awesome union people, and to learn how to build union power. It was also a lot of fun!”
Marc MeolaAFGE Local 940 AFT Local 2026, Community College of Philadelphia
“The program through Penn State and the Philadelphia Council was outstanding. If you want to take a serious stance and really understand the "why" of our unions, this is a course (Labor Activist Academy) that will allow you to understand how our movement started, and how it is continuing to grow and change”
Rochelle SmithAFGE Local 940
“The labor movement has been under attack for decades and if we want to not only survive, but thrive, we need to educate our members. Engaging our members is key to transforming the union movement and these courses are designed to do just that. This is a well though out curriculum with engaged instructors.”
Dennis HowerPresident, Teamster Local 773
“I thoroughly enjoyed this program. The instructors love what they do and it shows through their teaching. It’s nice getting a refresher on topics, but also learning and retaining new skills. The Labor School fosters an environment for learning and providing feedback. When an opportunity like this presents itself again I will most definitely recommend this program to my fellow co-workers.”
Rachael HerzcegSEIU HCPA
“With transitioning from worker to staffer this training provided me with tools and support. The activities and lessons were adult learner centered, which helped me stay focused. The activities and worksheets will help me to go over and refresh on what I learned from the instructors and peers in the training. And thank you Sanjay for the communications, they were always on time and needed.”
Jameele MitchellAFSCME DC 47
“I would recommend this program to anyone who is starting a career in the labor movement. This program helps you think outside the box and provide a different perspective on how to approach situations you can encounter in your daily work.”
Willis BlancoUWCW Local 1776

Note: We will fulfill our mission to support workers and their organizations to the best of our capacity, regardless of ability to pay. We will work with organizations to find equitable solutions based on financial constraints. If you have any questions, please contact us at laborschool@psu.edu or 814-865-8190.

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