ILR Worker Institute Research Fellowship Program

At its heart, the Worker Institute views its work as a contribution to reversing the growing inequality, now at historic levels, which undermines the economic and social sustainability of a vibrant democratic society.  The Institute provides the nation’s most comprehensive education, training, research, and organizational support for union leaders and worker advocates.  Worker Institute research fellows, sometimes in small teams, will have the opportunity to work directly with Ithaca-based faculty and ILR labor extension faculty based in NYC.

The fellowship program’s goal is to provide ILR students with a unique opportunity to contribute to important projects concerning workers and unions, expand their research skills, learn about potential career paths and interact with faculty, labor leaders and other fellows.

The main selection criteria include a strong academic record and a demonstrated interest in one of the Worker Institute’s research areas. 

Research into Models and Campaigns to Raise Standards for Precarious Workers
This experience will involve one or both of two new, large projects. The “Workers Center Hub”
will provide necessary training and assistance for Workers Centers across New York State. During
the summer of 2024 and into the 24/25 academic year, the project will be working with an
advisory group of workers centers to determine the structure and most important functions of
the new organization. We will coordinate and carry out a series of needs assessments with key
players. Students will help memorialize the design process and assist with the needs assessment
surveys and meetings. We then will move into designing and integrating curricula for the
workers centers. Our Care Forward project will also be moving forward, and we w ant to write up
a case study on it. For this project, students will work with researchers to understand the
structures and core elements of this, conduct research on care standards boards and assist with
curriculum development and design.
Successful applicants may have Spanish-language skills, background in training or curriculum
development, and/or coalition experience. Student will work with KC Wagner and Arianna
Schindle, as well as other Worker Institute researchers.