Collective Access Program
2026-2027 Program Cycle
A national partnership initiative connecting public defender offices with community, training, and the tools to build a stronger Black defender pipeline.
What is the Collective Access Program?
The Collective Access Program (CAP) is BPDA’s annual partnership initiative designed to support public defender offices through community, training, and strategic collaboration. CAP provides offices with the tools, resources, and network needed to strengthen defender teams and better support the communities they serve.
Participation in CAP includes a full year of benefits — from curated programming and job board access to fellowship eligibility and professional development support.
CAP is intentionally structured to foster community across participating offices, create shared learning opportunities, and deepen long-term investment in the Black defender pipeline.
Enrollment is limited to ensure curated support and meaningful engagement.
Program Details
→ Program Cycle: June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027
→ Annual Fee: $5,000 (covers all staff employees)
→ Enrollment: Limited spots available
→ Application: Contact
Exclusive CAP Benefits
Available only to Collective Access Program participants
Priority Access to Fellows
CAP offices receive first opportunity to host BPDA's Law School Fellows and Community Engagement Fellows. Only CAP offices are eligible to serve as host sites.
Discount Rates to Anti-Racism Training Institutes
Exclusive discounted rates for participation in BPDA's Anti-Racism Training Institute — equipping your team with actionable strategies to combat racial biases.
Website & Social Recognition
Your office will be recognized on the BPDA website and across social media platforms as a Collective Access Program participant.
Access to BPDA Job Board
Only CAP offices can submit job postings directly to the BPDA Job Board — connecting your office with talented professionals committed to justice and equity.
Discounted Conference Registration
CAP offices receive a discounted registration rate for the Annual BPDA Conference, extended to your entire team for unparalleled networking and learning opportunities.
Our CAP Partners
Leading public defender offices committed to equity and inclusion
- Atlanta Public Defender Office
- Brooklyn Defender Services
- Committee for Public Counsel Services
- Contra Costa County Public Defenders
- Cook County Public Defender
- Cuyahoga County Public Defender
- Hamilton County Public Defender
- Law Offices of Los Angeles County Public Defender
- Legal Aid Society
- Michigan State Appellate Defender Office
- Montgomery County Public Defender
- Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem
- New Orleans Public Defender
- Office of Colorado State Public Defender
- Philadelphia Defender Association
- State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense
- Virginia Indigent Defense Commission
- Washington State Office of Public Defense
- Legal Aid Society
- Orleans Public Defender
- Hamilton County Public Defender
- Montgomery County Public Defender
- Office of the Colorado State Public Defender
- City of Atlanta Office of Public Defender
- Cuyahoga County Public Defender Office
- Defender Association of Philadelphia
- State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense
- Virginia Public Defender Office
- Committee for Public Counsel Services (Boston)
- Contra Costa County Public Defenders
- Allegheny County Public Defender
- Law Offices of Los Angeles County Public Defender
- Washington State Office of Public Defense
- Cook County Public Defender
- Michigan State Appellate Defender Office
- Brooklyn Defender Services
Ready to Partner with BPDA?
Join the Collective Access Program for 2026–2027 and be part of a transformative initiative dedicated to equity and inclusion in public defense. Enrollment is limited — we encourage you to reach out early.
membership@blackdefender.org
