What is the Family Scholarship Program About?
The UAW Family Scholarship covers the cost for UAW members and their families to attend a one-week conference at Black Lake. But this isn’t just any conference, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend a program that was designed and centered around our members and their families.
Since 1970, thousands of UAW members and their families have participated in the Walter and May Reuther UAW Family Education Center Scholarship Program — changing their lives and those of their loved ones forever!
Located in scenic Onaway, Michigan, on Black Lake, the UAW Family Education Center was envisioned by legendary UAW President Walter Reuther to be a place where UAW members and their families could come together to learn and have fun.
Through educational and recreational activities, the Family Scholarship Program allows adults and children to learn and think about how our union empowers us to change our workplaces and communities for ourselves and future generations.
These lessons are learned through daily adult and children’s programs and family activities.
Who Can Attend?
All active or laid-off UAW members in good standing can apply for the Family Scholarship Program if they have never previously attended. This Program is only available one time per member. Past participants are not eligible to reapply.
Your spouse/domestic partner (must reside at the same address) and children/grandchildren 4-18 years old may attend with you. You may be required to provide a birth certificate or proof of legal guardianship for each attending child.
Children under four years old cannot attend. Other relatives, non-relatives, and retirees are not eligible to participate.
What Does it Cost?
Once approved for the UAW Family Scholarship, the UAW pays all lodging, food, and program costs for the one-week session! Some travel expenses are also reimbursed (see the Traveling to the Family Scholarship Program section below).
The scholarship does not cover group photographs or any other personal spending costs. Expenses for meals, tolls, or additional costs incurred during travel to and from the FEC are not covered.
The scholarship does not cover lost wages. See FAQs for more information.
Are you ready to do something fun this summer?
“I learned about UAW…and how working together can help you out to not only improve your work, but in case you are struggling.”
“My daughter is having an ecstatic time! I recommend it to everybody!”
“It is fantastic, you’ll learn a lot of information here….The instructors are excellent, the food is excellent, the view is excellent. My family had a blast.”
“The water balloons! I squished the mini one in my hand!”
What to expect
Get ready for an unforgettable week packed with learning, laughter, and solidarity! This action-filled, weeklong experience brings UAW families together to explore our union, build powerful connections, and discover what inspires us to change our workplaces and the world for ourselves and future generations.
Each day kicks off with a hearty, delicious full breakfast in the dining hall before families head to the Education Center for a full day of fun and discovery. Kids break into groups (Pre-K to 1st, 2nd-5th, 6th-8th, and 9th-12th grades) for engaging camp-style activities designed just for them, while adults gather to dive into union education, the history of worker’s collective power, and what it means to be an active, energized union member. All sessions are led by experienced, passionate union facilitators.
Our youngest learners (Pre-K to 1st) enjoy a playful mix of creative projects, music, games, gym time, and beach fun. Elementary students (2nd–5th) jump into with union awareness activities along with swimming, golf, and unique arts and crafts. Middle schoolers (6th–8th) stay busy with hands-on workshops, golf, swimming, and high-energy gym games. High school students (9th–12th) dig into the labor movement workshops that prepare them for the workforce, team up for a scavenger hunt, learn golf from our pro, and build friendships that last long after the week ends.
Families come back together at lunch and dinner in the dining hall, and the fun keeps rolling in the evenings with family activities everyone can enjoy together. Roasting s’mores at the campfire, test your luck at family bingo, sing your heart out at karaoke, compete in field day games, or relax on the sandy shores of Black Lake. In between, enjoy free time to walk through nature, swim in the Olympic-size indoor pool, shoot hoops or play volleyball in the gym, challenge others in a game of ping pong or pool, and discover all the wonders on our beautiful campus.
Wednesday afternoon is yours to explore the Center or nearby favorites, including the Black Lake Golf Course, Mackinaw City, St. Ignace, and Mackinac Island. On Thursday evening, adults enjoy a special evening activity while kids have a blast in supervised programs of their own.
This isn’t just a week away from home, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience filled with connection, fun, and memories your family will treasure for a lifetime!
Applying for a Family Scholarship
To register and attend the UAW Family Scholarship Program, you must first apply and be approved for a Family Scholarship. The scholarship is available to active and laid-off UAW members who are in good standing who have never previously attended the Program. For more information on what expenses the Scholarship applies to, see the FAQ section below.
Applying is easy with the following process:
- Complete and submit the online application using the link, username, and password below. Must apply before June 1, 2026.
- Provide a $50 check for your refundable deposit to your local union. *
- You will receive a confirmation email from UAW Black Lake once you are approved.
*- NOTE: Upon completion of the Program, UAW Black Lake will reimburse your deposit to your local union. Contact your local union after you attend for more information and to receive a refund of your deposit. The $50 deposit check is not required if flying, see eligibility requirements here: Traveling to the Family Scholarship Program
Scholarship Application Link
Site: https://conference.uaw.org/family.php
Username: 2026FAMILYSP (case sensitive)
Password: FamilySP26 (case sensitive)
Traveling to the UAW Family Education Center
The UAW Family Scholarship Program is held at the Walter and May Reuther UAW Family Education Center. Located in scenic Onaway, Michigan, on Black Lake, the UAW Family Education Center was envisioned by legendary UAW President Walter Reuther to be a place where UAW members and their families could come together to learn and have fun.
Whether driving or flying to the UAW Family Education Center, there are a few important things to know.
Please refer to the following information for directions, vehicle policies, and eligibility requirements for travel reimbursements.
Location Details
Venue: Walter & May Reuther Family Education Center
Address: 2000 Maxon Rd, Onaway, MI 49765
Website: www.uawblacklake.com
Vehicle Policy
The Family Education Center is owned and operated by the UAW and our members. It is our center’s policy to only allow union made vehicles that were built in the USA and Canada to stay onsite.
If you arrive in a vehicle that does not fit these criteria, our security guards at the entrance will direct you to park in the lot adjacent to the main entrance. You will be permitted to briefly drive to the main lobby for unloading and loading your vehicle upon arrival and checkout. During your stay, you will not be allowed to drive your vehicle on campus. A shuttle bus is available that can transport you to your vehicle in the outside lot.
Not sure if your vehicle was union made in the USA or Canada? Check your Vehicle Identification Number!
The VIN is located in the upper left corner of the dashboard and on the door jam. If your VIN begins with a 1, 4, or 5, it is made in the USA and if it starts with a 2, it was made in Canada!
If Traveling Over 500 Miles to the UAW Family Education Center
Members who are approved for the UAW Family Scholarship are eligible for certain travel reimbursements when traveling over 500 miles each way. This distance is based on the miles from your worksite to the UAW Family Education Center at 2000 Maxon Rd., Onaway, MI.
Members whose worksite is over 500 miles one-way from the UAW Family Education Center, have the choice to either drive or fly to Black Lake and can receive reimbursements for their travel expenses.
Please refer to each specific process and eligible travel expenses below.
Driving Over 500 Miles
The following additional travel reimbursements are only available to members whose worksite is more than 500 miles each way from the UAW Family Education Center and choose to drive to the Family Scholarship Program.
Mileage Reimbursement
Members are eligible to be reimbursed at the applicable IRS rate for each mile driven after 1,000 miles roundtrip (500 miles each way). * See note below
Lodging Reimbursement
Members are eligible to be reimbursed for lodging while traveling for the Family Scholarship Program up to $65 per night for single occupancy or $80 per night for double occupancy, when driving the following distances: * See note below
- 500-1000 miles each way: Reimbursement for one night of lodging each way, to and from Black Lake
- 1000+ miles each way: Reimbursement for two nights of lodging each way, to and from Black Lake
* NOTE: Distances are based on miles from member’s worksite to the UAW Family Education Center at 2000 Maxon Rd, Onaway, MI, using MapQuest and the most direct route.
Reimbursement Process
- Save your lodging receipts while driving to the Family Scholarship Program.
- Complete a reimbursement form and submit receipts at the Education Office at Black Lake during the week you attend.
- At the completion of the Program, you will receive a reimbursement check for travel expenses.
Flying to Family Scholarship
The following additional travel reimbursements are only available to members whose worksite is more than 500 miles each way from the UAW Family Education Center and choose to fly to the Family Scholarship Program.
What to expect
Eligible members who fly to attend the Family Scholarship Program will arrive at Detroit Metro Airport on the Saturday prior to the start of the Program week. A shuttle bus will pick you up at the airport and drive you to a nearby hotel that has been reserved and paid for by the UAW Family Scholarship. You will need to use your personal debit or credit card for incidentals, and a hold may be applied for this charge.
On Sunday morning, all members who have flown in also have a reserved seat on a charter bus that will drive them to the UAW Family Education Center.
On Friday morning, at the end of the Program week, members and their families will ride the charter bus back to Detroit Metro Airport and depart that afternoon. There is no hotel stay provided by the Scholarship on the Friday of departure.
Processes for Booking Airfare Tickets & Reimbursement
- Apply and be accepted for the UAW Family Scholarship. (See Applying for a Family Scholarship)
- Once accepted, you will receive an email from UAW Black Lake at least 21 days prior to the Program week with a link to purchase your airfare.
- Using your personal debit or credit card, select and purchase airfare for you and your approved family members. *
- Purchase baggage through your selected airline using your personal debit or credit card. (See eligible Air Travel Reimbursements below)
- Submit your baggage receipts to the Education Office at the Family Education Center on Monday of the Program week, prior to 4 p.m.
- You will receive a reimbursement check for your airfare and baggage fees at the end of the Program week.
*- NOTE: Personal checks are not accepted for airfare tickets. Your local union may provide airfare payment, check with your local union prior to purchasing.
Eligible Air Travel Reimbursements
Upon completion of the Program week, members will be reimbursed for the following:
- Cost of airline tickets through link provided by UAW Black Lake, minus the flier fees of:
-
- $75 for the UAW member
- $60 for the spouse/domestic partner
- $40 for each child
-
- Baggage fees for each family member’s first piece of luggage
Maps
Black Lake Campus
Classrooms
Campground
Schedule Overview
A full agenda will be posted when available
(All times in Eastern Time)
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Families traveling by flights arrive in Detroit, MI
Sunday, July 12, 2026
3 – 5 p.m. – All families arrive and check in at the UAW Family Education Center
5 – 6 p.m. – Opening session
6 – 7 p.m. – Dinner
Monday, July 13 – Thursday, July 16, 2026
8:45 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Families attend Family Scholarship Program activities
Friday, July 17, 2026
7:30 a.m. – Breakfast
8:45 a.m. – Families traveling by flights depart for the airport
10 a.m. – All families depart the UAW Family Education Center
Agenda / Schedule – HIDDEN UNTIL READY
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Digital Materials
Check back later for more info…
Call Letter
Red Pine Market
Digital Materials – HIDDEN – When ready, drag the columns below into the section above and replace the images + links to download
Call Letter
Campground
Classrooms
Stores, Pharmacies & More
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Will I receive lost time pay while attending?
The UAW does not provide reimbursement for lost time or wages while attending Family Scholarship. You must use your regular vacation, personal leave, or union leave time (where permitted by contract) to attend. Contact your local union representatives for more information.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are NOT allowed at the Family Education Center.
What costs does the Family Scholarship cover?
The UAW Family Scholarship pays all lodging, food, and program costs for the one-week session. The scholarship does not cover group photographs or any other personal spending costs. Expenses for meals, tolls, or additional costs incurred during travel to and from the Family Education Center are not covered.
How do I get reimbursed for mileage?
Refer to the section, Traveling Over 500 Miles to the Family Education Center for eligibility requirements and reimbursement process.
How do I get reimbursed for airline travel?
Refer to the section, Traveling Over 500 Miles to the Family Education Center for eligibility requirements and reimbursement process.
If I drive, what are the rules regarding vehicles?
The UAW Family Education Center is owned and operated by the UAW. Our members’ dues dollars support this place. We have a vehicle policy to only allow vehicles that were union made in the USA and Canada to park onsite.
See Traveling to UAW Family Education Center for specifics on this policy.
What are the housing arrangements?
The Family Education Center consists of a main hotel and adjacent buildings with sleeping rooms and full bathroom and shower facilities. Soap, towels, and all bedding are provided. Children are housed with their parents/grandparents.
Are there expected behaviors?
To maintain a family atmosphere, irresponsible behavior is not tolerated and may result in a family being asked to leave at their own expense. A code of conduct form for family members is required to be reviewed and signed at check-in.
Tell me more about the children’s program.
The Family Scholarship program is designed to a mix of learning and fun activities. While there will be some time kids will spend in the classrooms, much of the Program is spent outside of the classroom to ensure that kids enjoy their time spent at the Family Education Center while learning!
What should I pack?
Attire is informal, and casual clothes are acceptable for classes and evening activities. However, you may want to pack additional items for Wednesday’s free afternoon and Thursday evening’s adult-only activity. A recommended packing list will be shared upon approval of the program.
Although it is not required, we encourage everyone to pack bathing suits for swimming in the pool or the beach. Towels for the pool are located in the pool area but should not be brought to the beach.
While summers in northern Michigan are typically warmer weather, evenings can be on the cooler side. While enjoying an evening stroll to gaze at the stars, or trying to catch a glimpse of the northern lights, you might prefer pants and a light jacket or sweatshirt.
Red Pine Market is located on campus and offers a selection of basic pharmacy items you may need, as well as snacks, beverages, and hand-scooped ice cream!
What information do I need when I apply?
Please complete your registration no later than Monday, June 1, 2026.
Register Via Link:
https://conference.uaw.org/family.php
Username: 2026FAMILYSP
Password: FamilySP26
Have the following information available when registering:
MEMBER
- Legal FIRST and LAST Name
- Local Union #, UAW Region, and Date of Membership
- Social Security # (Last 4 digits only)
- Age of applicant
- Gender
- Marital Status: Married/Domestic Partnership (must reside at same address) or Single. (Single participants not accompanied by spouse or children/grandchildren are roomed with another participant.)
- Home Address
- Cell Phone
- Personal Email
- Employer and Location
If the spouse/domestic partner and children/grandchildren accompany the UAW applicant to the Family Education Center, please complete the following:
SPOUSE/DOMESTIC PARTNER
- Legal FIRST and LAST Name
- Age
CHILDREN/GRANDCHILDREN
- Legal FIRST and LAST Name
- Date of Birth
- Age
- Gender
- Grade in school child will be entering
Please indicate any special needs for yourself/family members, i.e., disability or other medical condition in the appropriate section.
Will photographs or videos be taken?
Yes, we encourage everyone to take photos and videos to capture and share their moments at the Family Education Center. We at the UAW also share photos of Family Scholarship to encourage others to attend. You will be asked to check a box for a Release Form for photographs and videos we take during registration.
We also appreciate your families desire for privacy, so if you do not want your family in photos or videos, please inform our staff when you arrive at check-in.
Contact
Flight & Hotel Questions
UAW Black Lake Conference Center
Address: 2000 Maxon Road, Onaway, MI 49765
Phone: 989-733-7241
Fax: 989-733-7293
Email: blacklakefec@uaw.net
Web: UAW Black Lake Conference Center & Golf Club
Phone: 989-733-7241
Fax: 989-733-7293
Email: blacklakefec@uaw.net
Web: UAW Black Lake Conference Center & Golf Club
Conference Information
UAW Education Department
Address: 8000 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI 48214
Phone: 313-926-5000
Email: education@uaw.net
Web: uaw.org/education
Registration
Local Union
Please contact your local union leadership with any questions about the application or registration process.
