Thirty current college students and recent graduates from Southern California campuses participated in the Labor Center’s inaugural Student Leadership Academy (SLA) April 26–28, 2008. The SLA is a three-day ­leadership-development training for students launched this year in collaboration with the Dolores Huerta Labor Institute, which promotes labor education and training at Los Angeles’ community colleges. The goal of the program is to give emerging student leaders and activists in-depth experience with careers in the labor movement.

Participants engaged in interactive workshops and discussions to develop skills such as public speaking, to deepen their understanding of the role of young people in the labor movement, and to bond with other students who have similar interests in social-justice work.

The academy was highlighted by participation from veteran activists and from members and staff of organizations who are leading some of the most dynamic worker campaigns, including UNITE HERE Local 11, the Teamsters, the Change to Win Federation, the Writers Guild of America, and the Service Employees International Union.

The Student Leadership Academy will be offered again next spring. For more information, please contact Lanita Morris at lmorris@irle.ucla.edu.