2026 UAW Region 1A Summer School: Building Stronger Leaders, Stronger Locals, and a Stronger Union

The 2026 UAW Region 1A Summer School at the Walter & May Reuther Family Education Center was another outstanding success, bringing together nearly 270 delegates from across Region 1A for a week dedicated to education, leadership development, and solidarity.

Representing local unions from a wide variety of industries and workplaces, these members came together with one common purpose—to become better union leaders, stronger advocates for their coworkers, and more effective voices for working families. Summer School remains one of the most important educational opportunities offered by Region 1A, providing members with the knowledge, confidence, and connections needed to strengthen their local unions.

Throughout the week, delegates participated in a wide range of educational workshops designed to develop the skills necessary to meet the challenges facing today's labor movement. Classes covered topics including leadership development, collective bargaining, grievance handling, labor history, organizing, standing committees, communications, political action, member engagement, and other essential areas that help local unions better serve their membership. The interactive classroom environment encouraged participants to ask questions, exchange ideas, and learn from one another's experiences, reinforcing that every member has something valuable to contribute.

Outside the classroom, delegates built lasting relationships through networking, shared meals, evening activities, and conversations across the beautiful Black Lake campus. These moments of fellowship are just as important as the classroom instruction, creating bonds of solidarity that extend well beyond Summer School and strengthen our union throughout the year.

Region 1A leadership emphasized that education is one of the UAW's greatest strengths. Well-trained and informed members are better equipped to protect workplace rights, communicate effectively with their fellow members, solve problems, build stronger committees, and lead successful local unions. Every class attended, every discussion held, and every new connection made helps ensure that Region 1A continues to develop knowledgeable and committed leaders for the future.

The success of the 2026 Summer School would not have been possible without the dedication of many individuals. We extend our sincere appreciation to the instructors who generously shared their expertise, the Region 1A staff who coordinated every aspect of the program, the outstanding staff of the Walter & May Reuther Family Education Center for their hospitality, and the local union leadership who encouraged members to participate. Most importantly, we thank the nearly 270 delegates whose enthusiasm, participation, and commitment made this year's Summer School such a meaningful experience.

As delegates returned home, they carried with them more than class materials—they returned with new skills, fresh ideas, renewed motivation, and an expanded network of union brothers and sisters committed to strengthening the UAW. The lessons learned throughout the week will continue to benefit members across Region 1A as delegates put their education into action in their workplaces and communities.

For generations, the Walter & May Reuther Family Education Center has been a place where UAW members come together to learn, grow, and recommit themselves to the values that have defined our union. The 2026 Region 1A Summer School proudly continued that tradition, demonstrating once again that education remains one of the most powerful tools for building a stronger, more united union.

To every delegate who attended: thank you for your dedication to your local union, your fellow members, and the labor movement. Your commitment to learning today helps build a stronger UAW for tomorrow.

United in Strength. Unbreakable in Spirit.