IATSE Launches LEAP
(Labor Education Assistance Program)
IATSE Will Pay Tuition for Labor Studies Courses

Since its inception in the fall of 2009, the IATSE’s Labor Education Assistance Program has approved over $55,000 in reimbursement money to officers of local unions who enroll in qualifying Labor Studies Programs. Locals all over the United States and Canada in crafts ranging from stagehands, studio mechanics, hair and makeup, wardrobe workers, and front-of-house employees are utilizing this new opportunity to better prepare their representatives for the challenges of navigating their unions through these changing and challenging times.

Qualifying representatives from local unions may, with pre-approval have tuition and reasonable housing expenses reimbursed for qualifying labor studies courses. To qualify for funding, a request with the name of the course and teaching establishment must be submitted to the International President in writing on the Local’s letterhead for pre-approval (A sample LEAP Application Letter is available by clicking on the link, to the right of this article). This pre-approval process is essential to guarantee reimbursement of educational expenses, which will be provided upon the receipt of proof of successful completion of the course. The International will pay for course tuition and for pre-approved housing expenses for short courses (such as those at the National Labor College) lasting less than one week. Not included is transportation, which will be the responsibility of the individual or the Local Union. LEAP funding is available for courses at any accredited institution with a bona fide Labor Studies program.

Many people have begun to take advantage of online learning classes, which allow freelance workers with unconventional schedules to learn on their own time. The National Labor College, Cornell University, and other schools offer online opportunities for degree courses, short workshops, and one-time webinars. There is a course out there to fit every schedule, budget, and educational level. Local officers are encouraged to avail themselves of this latest tool in order to expand their labor knowledge and better represent their workers.

Recently, the program was expanded so that more local representatives can take advantage of this opportunity. All officers, officials, trustees, and executive board members of all Local Unions are now eligible for participation in the LEAP. A Local Officer may be reimbursed for one (1) labor studies course each calendar year.

Locals of every size and level of learning are encouraged to take advantage of this new opportunity. For a list of courses offered by the National Labor College, go to www.nlc.edu.