Successful organizing campaigns require certain things: a burning desire by workers to form a union, organizational buy-in from union leadership, active involvement by current members and solid strategic research. 

Strategic researchers play a key role in both organizing and bargaining campaigns by helping unions gain a clearer understanding about corporate structure and finance, and by finding ways to win against those who would deny us justice on the job and in our communities.

An annual research summer school, co-sponsored by the AFL-CIO and Cornell University, has served as an effective stepping-stone for students of all ages who are interested in working as campaign researchers. Over the last decade, the program has placed hundreds of participants in research jobs at unions across the country.

The summer school this year is June 9–14 in Ithaca, N.Y. The application deadline is May 17. 

Scholarships are available to individuals, based on need, if taking the course for credit. 

Access the application and obtain other information about the summer school here.  

Or, contact Kate Bronfenbrenner at 607-254-4749 or scrsummer@cornell.edu.