WEEK AT BLACK LAKE IS EDUCATIONAL AND INSPIRATIONAL
Scholarship program rewarding for the whole family
Family Scholarship Program Application (pdf 211 KB)
For nearly 40 years, the Walter and May Reuther UAW Family Education Center (FEC) has been a place where UAW members and their families come together for an experience combining education with relaxation.
Nestled among the natural wonders of Onaway, Mich., with woods, water and deer so friendly they don't run away at first sight of a human, the center is a place to learn about your union, unlock ideas and build new friendships with other working families from across the country. This summer, introduce your family to something guaranteed to strengthen your spirit and understanding of your union: the Family Scholarship Program.
The FEC was inspired by the vision of the late UAW President Walter Reuther, who planned and developed the site as a destination where working people could gather to build skills as union activists, discuss and learn about the issues of the day, and make plans for the future. Reuther believed members’ education was a vital function for the union – and an important investment in the UAW’s future.
The center was named for Reuther and his wife, May, after they died in a plane crash on their way to visit the property in May 1970. A month later its first program was held: a global environment conference sponsored by the United Nations.
Since then, tens of thousands of UAW families have participated in the Family Scholarship Program, a weeklong experience combining education with relaxation.
Raul Garza of UAW Local 2346 and his wife, Virginia, attended a session last summer and wished they would have taken their now-grown children there as youngsters.
Garza has been a structural assembler for 20 years at United Launch Alliance in Harlingen, Texas, where workers build rocket components.
"It’s a great program for union families to become informed about the UAW and what it’s all about, especially here in the South where educating workers about unions is so important," said Garza, 47, who is the Local 2346 vice president and lives in San Benito, Texas.
His wife of 25 years agreed. "They made it fun for everybody. Black Lake is a beautiful location, and it was such a memorable experience."
Here’s how the program works:
During the day, parents participate in workshops with lively discussions and interactive exercises while children go to age-appropriate day camps with creative arts, music, games, athletics and swimming. The age groupings are 3-7 and 8-11.
Youngsters age 12-15 will enjoy union involvement workshops, golf, swimming and gym games. And teens age 16-18 are offered a program to prepare them for the working world.
Other afternoon and evening activities include laps at the indoor pool, a walk on the Black Lake beach, various sports, including bocce, and Karaoke Night. In addition, golfers can play the award-winning Black Lake Golf Club, where UAW members receive a 20 percent discount and UAW retirees a 30 percent discount on greens fees.
The UAW pays for all lodging, food and program costs. Participants may choose to pay for other things such as group photographs, gift shop items, golf or activities in nearby communities.
To be eligible for a family scholarship, you must be a UAW member in good standing for at least a year and never have attended the scholarship program. In addition, you must be willing to contribute your time: regular vacation, personal leave or union leave where contracts permit. Eligibility is limited to active and laid-off members.
This summer’s three sessions are July 5-10, July 12-17 and July 19-24 (which also offers a session in Spanish.)
