Workers’ Education Association

The Workers' Educational Association (WEA) was a British organization founded in 1903 by Albert Mansbridge. Mansbridge, a largely self-educated educator, was distressed that existing university extension programs primarily served the upper and middle classes. He established the WEA, originally named An Association to Promote the Higher Education of Working Men, to provide educational opportunities for the working class.1

The WEA was recognized by most British universities, and Mansbridge dedicated himself to its full-time leadership. Under his guidance, the organization developed a tutorial system and a library for working people not affiliated with academic institutions. Mansbridge also helped establish WEA branches in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, and founded other adult education groups.1