For over 80 years, the School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) at Cornell has been a place where students learn about work, leadership, and how people and organizations create real change. ILR takes a broad, interdisciplinary approach—combining business, law, economics, history, policy, and social justice—to help students understand work from every angle.

We’re dedicated to exploring ways to make work fairer and more meaningful, protecting workers’ rights through law and policy, and building more inclusive workplaces. ILR is a place where students gain both a strong academic foundation and real-world experience—helping them lead, solve complex problems, and make a lasting impact on the world of work.

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Isabela Vargas ’27, through the High Road Fellow program, worked with Local 338—a union that represents nearly 13,000 working people in a variety of different industries. Through this opportunity, she was able to speak with union members daily, build relationships, and help workers improve their jobs.

In the past, ILR Annual Fund dollars have supported:

Future priorities for the ILR Annual Fund include:

As a New York State contract college, we develop community partnerships and offer international training programs that enhance workers' lives and contribute to organizational success.
As a New York State contract college, we develop community partnerships and offer international training programs that enhance workers’ lives and contribute to organizational success.

How ILR would use future gifts at the following levels:

  • $10,000will help students take part in meaningful, hands-on engaged-learning experiences like High Road, internships, and more.
  • $25,000will help support and advance faculty research and innovation—in areas like home care work, AI, and much more.
  • $100,000will help support the recruitment and hiring of exceptional faculty dedicated to labor, management, and the economy.
  • $125,000will help make it possible for a student to attend the ILR School. Each year, nearly half of ILR students rely on scholarships and financial aid.

Gifts to the ILR Annual Fund provide crucial, unrestricted support, allowing ILR leadership to respond swiftly to emerging opportunities and challenges. At a time when higher education faces many challenges—especially as funding cuts threaten research, limit resources for innovation, and hinder opportunities for students and faculty—these flexible funds are more important than ever. By giving to the ILR Annual Fund, alumni, parents, and friends help ensure every ILR student receives the best possible experience—both inside and outside the classroom. It’s an impactful way to strengthen the school while shaping the future of work.

Message from the dean

Alexander J. Colvin, Kenneth F. Kahn Dean of the School of Industrial and Labor Relations processes into Schoellkopf Field Cornell Commencement 2025

“The ILR Annual Fund means a great deal to me, and to our entire community of students, faculty, and staff. It has a real, immediate impact—supporting scholarships, hands-on learning, internships, research, and other experiences that shape our students’ futures. This kind of support helps turn aspirations into reality and gives students the tools to grow, lead, and make a difference in the world of work.”

—Alexander J.S. Colvin Ph.D. ’99
Kenneth F. Kahn ’69 Dean
Martin F. Scheinman ’75, MS ’76, Professor of Conflict Resolution

Contact

Connect with us to learn more about ways to give to the ILR School Annual Fund by reaching out to a member of our team.

Every dollar adds up

We can do so much more with your support this year—and every year.

Make your gift to the ILR School