First Baptist Church of Hampton Servant Leader Internship Position Description

Applications are open for the 2026 session of the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools^® Program. The Freedom School is much more than a summer camp, it’s an advocacy program designed to empower Scholars to make a difference.

Our Purpose

The Freedom School is an educational and cultural enrichment program that provides summer options for children and strengthens family and community involvement while encouraging fun and exploration. We foster an environment that supports young people (known as “Scholars” in the program) to excel and believe in their ability to make a difference in themselves as well as their families, schools, communities, country, and world through hope, education, and action. 

Our primary focus on literacy provides access to high-quality books that deepen their understanding of themselves and all they have in common with others. Based on an Integrated Reading Curriculum (IRC), which is aligned to the Common Core State Standards, Freedom School programming integrates reading, conflict resolution, and social action, and is designed to promote social, cultural, and historical awareness.  The program helps foster scholars’ love for reading to avoid summer learning loss. Our program serves fifty (50) scholars in grades one through five for six weeks.  The FBCH Freedom School program is free of charge and will operate from June 22 – July 31, 2026.

That’s Where You Come In

College-age young adults (ages 18-30) and recent college graduates play a key role in the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools program in the position of Servant Leader Interns (SLIs).  Each Servant Leader Intern serves as the teacher for a maximum of 10 scholars.  Servant Leader Interns participating in this paid internship have access to further leadership development and networking opportunities geared toward continued direct service and advocacy on behalf of children and families.  

Apply for a First Baptist Church of Hampton Servant Leader Internship here: https://thefbch.org/freedom-school-intern-application.

For more information about The Freedom School you can visit our website at https://thefbch.org/fbch-freedom-school.

To learn more about the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools and the program’s impact nationwide, visit www.childrensdefense.org/programs/cdf-freedom-schools/our-impact.

Your Responsibilities

• Serve as a positive role model for all scholars;
• Supervise and maintain safety of scholars;
• Maintain a professional decorum;
• Set up, manage and breakdown classroom space according to standards outlined by CDF and the sponsor organization;
• Engage a maximum of 10 scholars per class in the Integrated Reading Curriculum as outlined in the guide provided by CDF;
• Serve as primary daily instructor for the 10 scholars;
• Attend all required Ella Baker Child Policy Training Institute training sessions from June 1 – June 7, 2026 and local pre/post training (dates are included on the application);
• Work with site team to develop and execute programming with fidelity; and
• Report any issues or concerns regarding program operation to the Site Coordinator.

Qualifications

• Must have completed at least one year of college in good academic standing (typical age range is 18-30);
• Ability to motivate others and work as part of an intergenerational team;
• Solid commitment to the success and well-being of children;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Exhibit positive behavior and attitude, modeling a mature and professional demeanor;
• Collaborate with other site team members to establish and maintain a supportive and structured environment for the students entrusted in their care;
• Strong appreciation and understanding of individual cultural history and the willingness to be open and respectful of all cultures; and
• In addition to the above responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Position Open Date:  February 15, 2024

Position Close Date:  March 15, 2024

New This Year: All Freedom School Servant Leader Internship interviews will be in person. If you are chosen for an interview, you will be responsible for travel and any other incidentals required to get to the First Baptist Church of Hampton, located at 229 N. King Street, Hampton, VA

Please note, submission of an application does not guarantee employment for this paid internship program. Applicants will be contacted later to establish next steps.