Labor History
How working people organized for fair wages, safer workplaces, and a voice on the job.
Free Summer Program · Roanoke, VA
Learn the History.
Build Your Future.
Explore labor history, civil rights, and union apprenticeship opportunities in a free two-week program for high school students.
About the Program
An education students may not get in the classroom.
Workers' Rights & Democracy Hub, LLC created the Summer Labor School to give high school students learning opportunities they are not necessarily receiving through their current school curriculum.
The program is planned as 3 to 4 two-week sessions. Each session welcomes a different group of students from high schools across the Roanoke River Valley, and the organizers hope to expand the program's reach as it grows.
Possible student grants: if funds are available, the organizers hope to offer grants to participants who graduate high school and are accepted into a union apprenticeship program. Grants are not guaranteed.
Free to AttendTwo-Week SessionsHigh School Students
What Students Will Experience
History in the morning. The trades in the afternoon.
Students learn how labor rights and civil rights grew together, then see where that history leads today through union apprenticeship programs.
Civil Rights History
The people and movements that fought for equal rights, and what that struggle looked like.
Labor & Civil Rights, Together
How the two histories go hand in hand, and why one can't be fully understood without the other.
Virginia's Role
Virginia's place in both histories, bringing the lessons close to home.
Union Apprenticeship Programs
An introduction to union apprenticeship programs, with a different union featured each afternoon.
Career Exploration
A first look at skilled trade career paths at the New Roanoke County Vocational Center.
A Day at Summer Labor School
From history to hands‑on opportunities.
A day of learning, discovery, and exploring future career paths.
01 · Morning
Learn the history
Breakfast and classes at Hollins University on labor history, civil rights, and Virginia's role.
02 · Midday
Recharge & connect
Lunch provided before heading to the vocational center.
03 · Afternoon
Discover the trades
Transportation to the New Roanoke County Vocational Center to explore a different union apprenticeship program each afternoon.
A meaningful finish. Organizers hope to conclude the sessions with a graduation ceremony.
Explore the Trades
Discover what's possible.
Get introduced to union apprenticeship programs and explore different career paths in the skilled trades.
Union Apprenticeship Programs
Explore the trades.
Discover new possibilities.
Get to know different unions and the apprenticeship pathways they represent.
Electrical trades
IBEW
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Plumbing & pipefitting
UA
United Association
Office & professional work
OPEIU
Office and Professional Employees International Union
Painting & finishing
IUPAT
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades
Maritime careers
Seafarers
Seafarers International Union
Carpentry & construction
Carpenters
United Brotherhood of Carpenters
Machining & aerospace
IAM
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
Fire service
IAFF
International Association of Fire Fighters
In the news · WVTF
Roanoke day camp sets up high schoolers for union trade apprenticeships
Eligibility & Application
What it takes to attend.
Free for area high school students
There is no cost for eligible area high school students to attend.
Complete an application
Each student fills out an application to take part in the program.
Parent or guardian permission
A parent or guardian must sign the required permission forms.
Interested in attending?
The official application process is not online yet. Email the organizers to ask about the application and permission forms.
Student & Family Voices
Experiences that inspire.
A space for students and families to share what Summer Labor School means to them.
“I never realized how much labor history connects to the rights we have today. Learning about different career paths opened my eyes to possibilities I hadn't considered.”
“Getting to explore different trades helped me understand that there are many ways to build a successful future after high school.”
“It's encouraging to see an educational program that helps young people learn about history while introducing them to practical career opportunities.”
“Learning about unions and apprenticeship programs made me more curious about what I could do after graduation.”
FAQ
Common questions.
Is the Summer Labor School free?
Yes. The program is free for area high school students who complete an application and return signed parent or guardian permission forms.
Who is the program intended for?
High school students from the Roanoke River Valley. The organizers hope to expand the program's reach as it grows.
How long does each session last?
Each session lasts two weeks. The program plans to offer 3 to 4 sessions, each with a different group of students.
Are meals provided?
Yes. Breakfast and lunch are provided.
Where will activities take place?
Morning sessions are held at Hollins University. In the afternoon, students are transported to the New Roanoke County Vocational Center.
Is parent or guardian permission required?
Yes. A parent or guardian must sign the required permission forms.
What will students learn?
Labor history, civil rights history, how the two connect, Virginia's role in both, and an introduction to union apprenticeship programs.
Contact
Let’s Connect.
Questions about the Summer Labor School? Students, parents, and guardians are welcome to reach out.
P.O. Box 12168, Roanoke, VA 24023