Serve with Us

Become an Ella Baker Trainer

Each year, exceptional leaders who have worked at least two years in the CDF Freedom Schools®program are selected as Ella Baker Trainers (EBTs) to serve as leadership developers who cultivate the talents, skills, and potential of youth, adults, educators, advocates, and community leaders. EBTs can train with CDF officially for four years, but many commit a lifetime of service to their communities.  

Highlights from 2026 National Training

Our History

For Ella’s Sake

Ella Josephine Baker was an integral leader in the Civil Rights Movement, organizing and mentoring hundreds of young people. Often a powerful behind-the-scenes advisor to close colleagues like Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Ella Baker believed in shared leadership and encouraged young people to find and lift their own voices. She understood the need for hard, daily, persistent work, and was an institution builder.

Read More About Our History

Serve as an Ella Baker Trainer

Today, Children’s Defense Fund honors Ella’s legacy and her lessons through our Ella Baker Trainers who deliver the CDF Freedom Schools Integrated Reading Curriculum (IRC), help make learning fun for children, and train and cultivate leaders.

EBTs can train in the CDF Freedom Schools program officially for four years, but many commit a lifetime of service to their communities. EBTs serve as pillars of the CDF Freedom Schools movement.

Take your service with CDF and the movement for child well-being to the next level by becoming an Ella Baker Trainer.

Please direct all inquiries to Dr. Bridget G. Hall.