Meet Fredrick Bailey, the First Milliken Fellow

Communities In Schools of Troup County, Georgia, alum Fredrick Bailey is the first ever recipient of the Bill and Jean Milliken Fellowship. This annual fellowship seeks to advance CIS' collective work and give voice to the next generation of CIS leaders and thinkers, while honoring Bill and Jean Milliken’s unique contributions to this organization. This year’s fellowship is focused on how to prepare all students for college, career and civic engagement, a topic derived from the inaugural Milliken Dialogues.

Over the course of the nine-month fellowship, Fredrick will research how to increase the presence of CIS students at national, state and local government levels to develop positive relationships with policymakers and to create internship opportunities for CIS students. He will also work alongside CIS National staff in a collaborative, cross-functional exploration of some of the most important and compelling issues facing CIS and the students we serve.

Fredrick has been involved with Communities In Schools for over fifteen years, first as a student of Communities In Schools of Troup County, Georgia, then as a member of the Alumni Leadership Advisory Committee, and a Board Member for CIS of Georgia.  Having spoken to thousands of individuals in support of Communities In Schools as a speaker, author, and student success coach, Fredrick has proven himself a powerful advocate of the program—and people—he credits with changing his life for the better. 

Fredrick has moved from Fairburn, GA to the Washington, DC area for the duration of his fellowship.

We sat down with Fredrick to learn more about the man behind the accolades and achievements. 

CIS: If you had a personal mission statement, what would it be?

Fredrick Bailey: “Be empowered to be an agent of change”

CIS: What’s your favorite job/volunteer position you’ve ever had?

FB: My favorite job was working at Gordon State College; it was my first job. I had the opportunity to build a program for young African American men that focused on graduation, retention, and GPA. I connected with hundreds of students, it gave me so much insight and perspective into what today’s young people are experiencing.   

CIS: What aspect of the fellowship work most excites you?

FB: I am most excited about having the opportunity to implement advocacy programs and create internships for CIS students that could remain in the framework of CIS for generations..

CIS: What is the one thing you really want to do during your time in DC, fellowship-related or not?

FB: There’s a 4.0-mile track right outside my apartment complex and I would love to conquer it within my first two months.

CIS: As the first Milliken Fellow, what kind of legacy do you hope to leave for those who come after you?

FB: A legacy that demonstrates a level of consistency, dedication, and hard work that creates advancement within the organization. A legacy to become more than you currently are and to take others on the journey with you.

CIS: What’s the one TV show you never miss?

FB: The number one TV show I never miss would be the Golden Girls. An old sitcom about four elderly roommates.  At first, I had no desire or intertest to watch but once I did I was hooked. They are hilarious.

Thank you, Fredrick, and welcome to CIS National!