The Worker Institute offers the following research fellowship opportunities throughout the year. Visit the student fellows page for more information about our previous student fellows.
Worker Institute Research Fellowships
- The Worker Institute offers undergraduate research fellowships for both fall and spring semesters. Extensive research experience is not required - the main requirement is a strong interest in one of our research areas. We assign small teams of students to work together on specific projects, under the supervision of a faculty member. Worker Institute projects include collaboration between Ithaca-based faculty and our labor extension faculty based in NYC, Rochester and Buffalo, so research opportunities may also include working with faculty in other locations. In some cases, undergraduates will also collaborate with ILR graduate students. Students will work 5-10 hours/week, paid at an hourly rate of $17/hour.
- For more information on our current Student Research Fellowship opportunities please contact Professor at Ileen Devault at iad1@cornell.edu or Pam Gueldner at pjg97@cornell.edu.
Worker Institute Summer Fellowship, NYC and Ithaca
- Through the Worker Institute's summer fellowship program, 4-6 undergraduate students have the opportunity to work directly with resident and extension faculty on research and other projects. These paid, full-time fellowships take place in New York City and Ithaca and last approximately 8 weeks during June and July. Student fellows have the unique opportunity to contribute to important projects concerning workers and unions, expand their research skills, learn about the labor movement, potential career paths and interact with faculty, labor leaders and other fellows.
- For more information and to apply for the Worker Institute Summer Fellowship, please contact Maheya Afnan at mja295@cornell.edu.
The Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Research Fellowship, New York City
- Established in 1988 in memory of Harry Van Arsdale, Jr., former business manager of IBEW Local 3 and president of the New York City Labor Council, this paid, full-time fellowship is open to one graduate student or graduating senior in the ILR School. The selected fellow will conduct research related to the history and role of unions in New York City, highlighting the accomplishments and ideals of Harry Van Arsdale, Jr. and their implications for the labor movement today. Qualified candidates must demonstrate an interest and commitment to labor issues, as well as excellent research skills. The internship runs June through August in New York City and is supervised by Jeff Grabelsky.
- The fellow is expected to complete research and write a publishable essay on a topic provided each year. Former topics include: The New York Hotel Trades Council, Public Sector Collective Bargaining in New York, Labor Unions and Community Alliances, and Lessons from the Depression for the "Great Recession." The fellowship is funded by the Harry Van Arsdale, Jr. Memorial Association and currently provides a stipend of $7000.
- For more information and to apply for the fellowship, please contact Brigid Beachler at bk30@cornell.edu.