Fredrick Bailey, a Communities In Schools of Georgia in Troup County graduate, has been named the first ever recipient of the Bill and Jean Milliken Fellowship by the Communities In Schools (CIS) National Office. This annual fellowship seeks to advance CIS’ collective work and give voice to the next generation of CIS leaders and thinkers, while honoring founders 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.

Bailey was the top choice among 14 applicants nationally. He was also recently named to the CIS of Georgia State Board and serves on the CIS National Alumni Leadership Advisory Committee.

Bailey has been involved with Communities In Schools for over 15 years, first as a student of Communities In Schools of Troup County, then as a member of the Alumni Leadership Advisory Committee. Having spoken to thousands of individuals in support of Communities In Schools as a speaker and student success coach, Bailey has proven himself a powerful advocate of the program and people he credits with changing his life for the better. He has also written a book, “Waiting on the Rain” which talks about the struggles he overcame with the help of CIS.

As a child growing up in extreme poverty, he had to literally wait on the rain in order to have water to carry out life necessities like washing, bathing and cleaning. With the help of caring adults and mentors, Bailey was able to turn his life around, and become the first person in his family to graduate from high school (Callaway High School). He also earned his associates degree from Gordon College, his bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University of West Georgia, and his master’s degree in adult education and training from the University of Phoenix.

Bailey will tell you that Communities In Schools changed his life forever. “The only meals I got were at school. So guess who had perfect attendance?” Bailey said. “When my site coordinator stepped in, my entire life changed. I got dental work, I got glasses, professional mentoring and counseling, and leadership opportunities. I am who I am because Communities In Schools works.”

“We are extremely proud to be able to celebrate with Fredrick as he achieves another first,” said Carol Lewis, President and CEO of Communities In Schools of Georgia. “He is so humble and appreciative of everyone who has played a role in his life, and we know he will represent CIS Georgia well. He is an outstanding choice to be the first recipient for the Bill and Jean Milliken Fellowship.”

Bailey continues to give back to his community by volunteering at a local nursing home and homeless shelter, mentoring young men and tutoring middle and high school students in reading.

Over the course of the nine-month fellowship, Bailey will move to Washington, D.C. from Fairburn. During this time, he 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 served.