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UAW's Fellowship Program: An Opportunity to Become a Local Union Discussion Leader (LUDL)

UAW Education Department
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LUDL talking with members

DETROIT, MI - Are you an energetic member who is passionate about engaging in conversations with other members, deepening their knowledge of our union and the labor movement, and empowering them to become active members themselves? An opportunity awaits you!

The UAW Education Department will host its Fellowship Program beginning in October 2026 and conclude in the spring of 2027. The Fellowship Program is an intensive work-study program designed to develop dedicated UAW members into strong leaders and effective union educators. Graduates of the Fellowship join our roster of Local Union Discussion Leaders (LUDLs), serving as activists in their local union education programs while also assisting our regional and national education programs.

2026-27 Fellowship Touchpoint Schedule

The 2026-2027 Fellows will participate in a rigorous training program that consists of a mix of in-person and virtual touchpoints from October 2026 through May 2027.

This program requires a serious commitment from the Fellows to complete assignments at home, in addition to attending the following scheduled training touchpoints:

  • Touchpoint 1: Oct 18-23, 2026 (Black Lake) & Oct 24-30, 2026 (Detroit)
  • Virtual Check-In: Dec 4, 2026 (12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET)
  • Virtual Check-In: Feb 3, 2027 (12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET)
  • Touchpoint 2: March 14-20, 2027 (Region 9A, New York City)
  • Touchpoint 3: May 2-7, 2027 (Region 4, Pat Greathouse Center)

In some regions, Fellows will also be invited to an additional touchpoint in their own region, to be scheduled sometime between January and May 2027.

Fellowship training

 

Candidates must be able to take a union leave of absence to attend all touchpoints in the Fellowship Program. The International Union, UAW does not provide compensation or reimbursement for lost-time wages. Fellows will receive an honorarium of $1,000 per week or $100 per session, in accordance with LUDL Guidelines and Procedures. Travel, per diem, and expenses are paid in accordance with the UAW Travel and Expense Policy.

 

LUDL facilitating a class at Black Lake

 

Since its beginning in the late 1970s, over 600 UAW members have completed the Fellowship Program and gone on to serve as strong educators and leaders in our union. This is a remarkable opportunity to develop your skills to engage and inspire other union members through education. If you’re ready and willing to commit yourself to this prestigious union education program, please submit your application online no later than August 10, 2026.

Note: New for this year, as we work to improve language access across our union, we are also actively recruiting bilingual Spanish/English speakers to participate in this program. Bilingual Spanish/English speakers are strongly encouraged to apply!

 

Deadline to Apply:

AUGUST 10, 2026

 

Application Form: 

 

Questions can be directed to your regional Education Representative or the Education Department at education@uaw.net.