The UWUA is leading a national effort to connect with schools and inspire the next generation of union workers through its Adopt-a-School initiative, spearheaded by the National Women’s Caucus and the Young Workers Initiative Committee.
The initiative began with a simple observation: while employers often visit schools for job fairs, union representation is often absent. “We wanted to change that,” says Valerie King, Chair of the Women’s Caucus and UWUA National Representative. “It’s about ensuring students see the people behind the jobs — proud, unionized workers — and understand there’s a pathway for them, too.”
The Adopt-a-School program goes beyond one-time events. Participating locals are encouraged to build yearlong engagement plans with a partner school, support at least three student-focused events, and participate in at least one donation drive. Activities can include career days, job fairs, tutoring, book bag drives, and classroom presentations, aiming to make union members visible, accessible, and active in young peoples’ lives.
Local 132 launched its program in August 2024 by collecting school supplies for Cypress Elementary School in Fontana, California. With donations from local members and support from the UWUA, they provided supplies for fourth- and fifth-graders and special education classes. As Local 132 Women’s Chair Alexa Barraza puts it, “This is about showing up, supporting students, and becoming part of our communities.” Barraza credits the drive with opening doors for more events within the district.
Other locals are also joining the initiative. Local 1-2 hosted two career days, Local 601 partnered with PSE&G for a hygiene drive, Local 191 organized a school supply drive in Pittsburgh, Local 475 is collaborating with Parkway West Career and Technology Center, and last month, Local 105 distributed 250 school supply-filled backpacks at the City of Pontiac’s Family Appreciation Day.
Local 105 doesn’t have an official Women’s Committee, but member Denise Montgomery is heavily involved in community engagement. She spearheaded the backpack project through her connections with local organizations and, along with a few other 105 members, also coordinated a school supply drive for Clarenceville High School in Livonia, where the local had an existing “adopt-a-child” program for holiday gift giving.
Darlene Arcese, a Power Systems Technician and Local 369 Women’s Chair, participated in career fairs at local high schools last year and has more planned this year. “I really enjoy speaking with young people and getting them excited about opportunities,” she says. On October 23, she’ll present at a “Women in Trades” event, showcasing career opportunities for young women from Boston area technical schools.
The initiative benefits both students and unions. Students gain mentorship and career exposure, while locals strengthen community ties and highlight the value of union membership. Barraza said Local 132’s participation in career days helped students understand the benefits of union work, including job protections and competitive pay.
Locals interested in joining can start simply by visiting a local school, speaking with a counselor, and asking how the union can help. UWUA’s national committees provide guidance, sample materials, and inspiration from engaged locals.
The Adopt-a-School initiative aims to bring union values into classrooms, uplift future generations, and ensure the benefits of union membership are visible, tangible, and within reach for every student.