Rhode Island Institute for Labor Studies & Research

What Rhode Island Institute for Labor Studies & Research does

The Rhode Island Institute for Labor Studies & Research (ILSR), operating under DBA names ILSR and RIILSR, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational institution founded in 1980 and headquartered at 1540 Pontiac Ave, Suite A, Cranston, Rhode Island. The organization delivers labor education, union leadership development, adult literacy, and workforce training programs to over 8,000 Rhode Islanders annually, with a cumulative reach of more than 150,000 individuals served since inception. Its core offerings span union steward and collective bargaining training, ESOL/ESL classes for adult learners and immigrant workers, RIDE-approved Teacher Assistant Training and ParaPro Prep, Workplace Rights Education for low-income and non-union workers, the Immigrant Workers Rights Project (IWRP), professional development workshops, customized union training, a CDL Prep Course with RIPTA/ATU618, Department of Corrections incentive training, the cross-movement Leadership for the Future program, the Labor Vision video series (produced since 1986), the Chuck Schwartz Labor Library, and online courses through an Ed2Go partnership.

ILSR's business model is a hybrid of program tuition fees (e.g., $40/term ESOL, $200 ParaPro Prep, $400 Teacher Assistant Training), contract-based training for government and employer partners, philanthropic fundraising (an annual pledge and appeal campaign raising $100,000+, the Edward J. McElroy Golf Tournament held since 1994, United Way/CFC/SECA campaigns, memorial donations), and grants from entities such as the Rhode Island Foundation and International Workers' Compensation Foundation. Programs are delivered in-person at workplaces, union halls, and community sites (Pawtucket Public Library, Workforce Development Hub RIC), with supplemental online delivery via Ed2Go and virtual training over Zoom/Teams. The organization is governed by a 25+ member Board of Trustees drawn from Rhode Island's major labor unions, AFL-CIO affiliates, community partners, and legal/regulatory institutions, providing deep ecosystem lock-in across the state's organized labor movement.

Name

Rhode Island Institute for Labor Studies & Research

Legal name

Rhode Island Institute for Labor Studies & Research

Website

https://riilsr.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Rhode Island Institute for Labor Studies & Research is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1980 that delivers labor education, union leadership training, ESOL, workplace rights, and workforce credentialing programs to over 8,000 Rhode Islanders annually through union, employer, and community partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Education and Labor Training Services

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Language Schools (611630), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Apprenticeships, Pre-Apprenticeships & Work-Based Learning (EDAAAOAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Immigrant/Integration Language Programs (ESL/ESOL, Civics-Integrated) (EDAMAFAK), General ESL Programs (Multi-level Adult ESL) (EDAAACAA)

Keywords

• Labor education services
• Workforce development training
• Adult literacy programs
• Union leadership training
• Workplace rights education

Headquarters

HQ city

Cranston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Program Tuition and Fees: ILSR generates revenue through course tuition fees including ESOL classes ($40/term plus $5 registration), Teacher Assistant Training ($400), and ParaPro Prep classes ($200). These fees support direct program delivery costs.
2. Annual Fundraising Campaigns: The organization conducts an annual pledge and appeal campaign targeting individuals, union locals, councils, federations, and associations within organized labor, raising over $100,000 annually to support programs.
3. Golf Tournament Fundraising: The Edward J. McElroy Golf Tournament, held annually since 1994, raises scholarship funds to assist financially needy students with tuition and instructional costs.
4. United Way and Government Campaigns: ILSR participates in United Way of Rhode Island (directory #3830), SECA, and CFC fundraising campaigns from September through November to support general operational and administrative costs.
5. Memorial Donations: The organization accepts contributions in memory of loved ones connected to the labor movement, recognized through scholarships and program support.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

ILSR is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational institution that delivers adult education, workforce development, and labor education programs to Rhode Island workers, unions, employers, and community organizations. Core offerings include union leadership/steward training, ESOL adult literacy classes, Teacher Assistant Training and ParaPro Prep, workplace rights and health & safety education, customized organizational training, and specialized programs such as the RIPTA CDL Prep Course and Department of Corrections incentive training. The organization supplements training with the Labor Vision video series, the Chuck Schwartz Labor Library, and Ed2Go online courses.

Product overview

The Rhode Island Institute for Labor Studies & Research (ILSR) is a non-profit educational institution that offers a comprehensive portfolio of workforce development and labor education services rather than a unified software product. The core offerings include union leadership training programs (Steward Training, Negotiation Training, Collective Bargaining Training), adult education services (ESOL classes, Teacher Assistant Training, ParaPro Prep), workplace rights and health & safety education (Workplace Rights Education Project, Immigrant Workers Rights Project), professional development workshops, customized training for unions and organizations, and specialized programs like CDL Prep, Department of Corrections Training, and Leadership for the Future. Additional offerings include Ed2Go online courses, Labor Vision video program, Chuck Schwartz Labor Library, and community fundraising events. The organization serves over 8,000 Rhode Islanders annually through programs delivered at workplaces, community sites, union halls, and online.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Labor Vision: The only video program dedicated exclusively to covering issues of concern to Rhode Island workers and their families. Since 1986, ILSR has produced this video series covering labor-related topics.

Products and services

• Steward Training A two-class eight-hour workshop designed to refresh and familiarize union officers and stewards with the legal rights and responsibilities of representing bargaining unit members, covering effective leadership, organizing membership, Duty of Fair Representation, Weingarten rights, and grievance handling. Targeted at union stewards and officers.
• Negotiation Training A two-session program that prepares negotiation committee members to develop, cost, and present proposals, exposing participants to the steps necessary for successful negotiations and including a three-hour mock negotiation exercise. Targeted at union negotiation committee members.
• Collective Bargaining Training A training program designed for individuals with little or no negotiations experience, exposing participants to the various terms, concepts, processes, and strategies that comprise the collective bargaining process. Targeted at aspiring union negotiators.
• ESOL Adult Literacy Program English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes for adults offered in the community, workplace, and at union offices to increase English language skills of adults with limited English proficiency. Held online, at libraries, workforce hubs, workplaces, and union halls. Classes offered evenings or Saturdays at $40/term plus $5 registration. Targeted at adult learners with limited English proficiency.
• Teacher Assistant Training Program An RI Department of Education (RIDE)-approved program offering the opportunity to become a full-time, part-time, or substitute teacher assistant, delivered by qualified teachers and professionals with 24 hours of classroom instruction plus a job shadow and the ParaPro Assessment. Total cost $400. Targeted at aspiring teacher assistants.
• ParaPro Prep Classes Online preparation classes to help students study for the ParaPro exam required by the RI Department of Education (RIDE) to become a Teacher Assistant. Offered online Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-8:30 pm for 2 weeks at $200, including one ParaPro exam. Minimum 10 students required to run. Targeted at aspiring teacher assistants.
• Professional Development Workshops Workshops for organizations to help workers sharpen professional skills, including Conversational Spanish for Beginners, Conflict Resolution, Business Writing, Cultural Sociology, Effective Communications, Ethics in Action, Managing Change, Organizational Psychology, and Public Speaking. Targeted at union members and workers across Rhode Island.
• Workplace Adult Education Project (WAEP) A major program founded in 1987 providing adult literacy instruction to educationally disadvantaged Rhode Island workers at their workplace, delivering literacy and skill development through collaborations among employers, labor organizations, and incumbent workers. Serves nearly 250 students per year. Targeted at employers and their incumbent workers.
• Workplace Rights Education Project A project developed in 1991 with support from the RI AFL-CIO to reach out and educate workers about their rights on the job, targeting mainly low-income and non-union workers through workshops on workers' rights, health and safety, and labor relations. Targeted at low-income and non-union workers.
• Immigrant Workers Rights Project (IWRP) A public education and organizing campaign developed in 2001 to empower immigrant workers to achieve justice in the workplace by strengthening legal labor protections and providing information about workplace laws through a Workers' Rights Hotline, education programs, and bilingual workshops. Staff have educated over 2,000 workers through community forums and workshops. Targeted at immigrant workers in Rhode Island.
• Customized Training Customized training programs created specifically to meet the requirements and specifications of local unions and organizations, offered in labor relations, steward training, leadership skills, computer training, building solidarity, psychology, Spanish, and professional communications. Targeted at Rhode Island unions and organizations.
• CDL Prep Course A Commercial Driver's License preparation course partnered with RIPTA and ATU618 to assist candidates in passing the CDL permit test at the DMV, with eligibility screening, CASAS Assessment, and opportunity to earn while learning upon completion. Targeted at candidates seeking employment as RIPTA bus drivers.
• Leadership for the Future An intensive leadership development program gathering diverse leaders from community groups, labor unions, and religious communities to forge relationships and networks, focusing on social and economic justice through topics including grassroots organizing, cross-movement solidarity, and lobbying. Sponsored by the Rhode Island Senate, United Way, and RI AFL-CIO. Targeted at community, labor, and religious organization leaders.
• Department of Corrections Training Classes designed specifically for Department of Corrections employees to qualify for state incentive credits, including Introduction to Conversational Spanish, Psychology in the Workplace, Psychology/Leadership, Cultural Sociology, Abnormal Psychology, Effective Communications, and Reducing Work-Related Stress. Delivered in collaboration with RIBCO Union and the State of Rhode Island Office of Learning and Development. Targeted at RI DOC employees.
• Ed2Go Online Courses A wide range of highly interactive online courses led by expert instructors covering Accounting and Finance, Business, College Readiness, Computer Applications, Design and Composition, Health Care and Medical, Language and Arts, Law and Legal, Personal Development, Teaching and Education, Technology, and Writing and Publishing. Delivered through the Ed2Go platform. Targeted at adult learners seeking online professional development.
• Edward J. McElroy Golf Tournament An annual fundraising event held since 1994 to raise scholarship funds to assist students who are financially unable to pay fully for the cost of attending one of ILSR's many programs. Targeted at union members, labor supporters, and community donors.
• Labor Vision A video program produced since 1986 dedicated exclusively to covering issues of concern to Rhode Island workers and their families — the only such video series in the state. Distributed via YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, and the LaborVisionRI website.
• Chuck Schwartz Labor Library A library providing union members and the general public with access to historically significant resources documenting the history of labor unions and the growth of the labor movement in Rhode Island, dedicated in memory of Chuck Schwartz (1948-2006), former Executive Director of ILSR.

Quantifiable outcome

• 8,000+ Rhode Islanders served annually through programs and services
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Progresso LatinocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2001Collaborated with ILSR and ChisPA to develop the Immigrant Workers Rights Project (IWRP), a public education and organizing campaign to empower immigrant workers to achieve justice in the workplace.
• ChisPAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2001Partnered with ILSR and Progresso Latino to develop the Immigrant Workers Rights Project (IWRP) for immigrant worker empowerment.
• RI Coalition for Immigrants & RefugeescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2001Collaborated with ILSR, Progresso Latino, and ChisPA on the Immigrant Workers Rights Project public education campaign.
• RI AFL-CIOcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1991Supported development of the Workplace Rights Education Project in 1991. Co-publishes the RI Guide to Employment Law with ILSR and RI Labor History Society.
• RIPTA (Rhode Island Public Transit Authority)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerILSR partnered with RIPTA and ATU618 to offer CDL Prep Course for candidates seeking employment as RIPTA bus drivers. ILSR holds multiple classes taught by RIPTA instructors to assist candidates in passing the CDL permit test. Candidates have opportunity to earn while they learn upon course completion.
• ATU618coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnion partner for the RIPTA CDL Prep Course program, collaborating with ILSR and RIPTA to train bus driver candidates.
• RIBCO UnioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with ILSR and State of Rhode Island Office of Learning and Development to offer Department of Corrections incentive training classes designed specifically for DOC employees to qualify for state incentive credits.
• State of Rhode Island Office of Learning and DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with ILSR and RIBCO Union to offer DOC incentive training classes for state employee incentive credits.
• Rhode Island SenateminorOthersSponsors the Leadership for the Future program, an intensive leadership development program for community, labor, and religious organization leaders.
• United WayminorOthersProgram sponsor for Leadership for the Future leadership development program. Listed in United Way of Rhode Island directory (#3830).
• RI AFL-CIOminorOthersProgram sponsor for Leadership for the Future leadership development program.
• RI Department of Labor & Training Workers' Compensation DivisionminorOthersFunds the Immigrant Workers Rights Project campaign providing education on workers' compensation rights.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Jewish Vocational Service (JVS Boston): Boston-based workforce development nonprofit offering ESOL, job training, and career services. Comparable to ILSR's Workforce Adult Education Project and customized job-skills training, with similar mission but larger scale and broader employer network.
• Year Up: National workforce development nonprofit providing job training and corporate placement for young adults. Comparable to ILSR's workforce development and customized training programs, with a much larger scale and multi-state footprint.
• Center for Progressive Leadership / UMass Amherst Labor Center: University-based labor education programs offering steward training, collective bargaining, and union leadership development. Comparable to ILSR's core union leadership programs (Steward Training, Negotiation, Collective Bargaining), with academic credentialing and broader research scope.
• Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI): Public community college system offering adult education, ESL, workforce credentials, and continuing education across Rhode Island. Comparable to ILSR's adult education and TA training programs, with broader academic scope and public funding streams.

Emerging players

• Building Pathways: Boston-based pre-apprenticeship program that prepares underrepresented workers for union construction careers. Comparable to ILSR's CDL Prep and labor-related workforce programs through its union partnership model and 'earn while you learn' approach.

Direct peers

• International Institute of New England: New England-based nonprofit providing refugee resettlement, ESOL, and workforce development services. Comparable to ILSR's immigrant worker education programs and ESL curriculum, with a broader multi-state footprint.
• Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island: Providence-based nonprofit providing ESL, employment, and refugee resettlement services. Directly comparable to ILSR's ESOL program and immigrant workforce focus, operating in the same Rhode Island geography with overlapping adult education mandate.
• Progreso Latino: Rhode Island-based Hispanic community organization and direct ILSR partner (co-developed the Immigrant Workers Rights Project). Comparable as a RI immigrant-serving nonprofit offering ESL, workforce, and community education services to the same target population.
• Urban League of Rhode Island: Rhode Island affiliate of the National Urban League providing workforce development, education, and advocacy services. Directly comparable to ILSR's adult education and worker rights programs, operating in the same RI geography with similar community-based delivery.

Regional players

• African Community Education (ACE) / RI Haitian-American Community Center: Rhode Island-based immigrant and refugee community organizations providing ESOL, workforce training, and youth services. Comparable to ILSR's ESOL program and immigrant worker rights education, operating in the same geographic footprint.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/riilsrmedia
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/LaborVisionTV1
• Facebookfacebook.com/riilsr.org
• Instagraminstagram.com/laborvisionri
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rhode-island-institute-for-labor

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles35 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Rhode Island Institute for Labor Studies & Research