“Communities in Schools changed my trajectory. I wouldn’t be where I am today without that intervention and support.”
—Fredrick Bailey, former CIS student & Director of Community Engagement & Operations at CIS of Georgia in Henry County
Vision to Become a Champion for Youth
Communities in Schools gave him glasses – but that gift allowed him to see far beyond the chalkboard at the front of the classroom. That gift gave Fredrick Bailey the opportunity to see his dreams, goals and the promise of a future.
Fredrick came to know CIS in 7th grade. He was, by his own description, troubled and at-risk of dropping out of school. “There were days when I had no food, no electricity. My CIS site coordinator made sure I had those things but more importantly, she cared for me. She loved me. That was something I had not experienced before. And that changed my life.”
Fredrick participated in the CIS afterschool program, learning computer skills and financial literacy. He was a member of CIS speaker circuit as a high school student, sharing his story with students, community leaders, donors and Georgia legislators at the state capitol. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and a master’s degree in adult education.
As the first ever recipient of the Bill and Jean Milliken Fellowship, which seeks to give voice to the next generation of CIS leaders and thinkers, Fredrick worked alongside CIS national staff for nine months. Today, he is the director of Community Engagement and Operations for CIS Georgia’s Henry county area.
A testament to the success of the CIS model, Fredrick notes, “Communities in Schools changed my trajectory. I wouldn’t be where I am today without that intervention and support.” He continues to tell his powerful story of how one person, one program gave him the vision to realize his potential…and become a champion for future generations.
“The Communities In Schools network is excited to welcome Fredrick Bailey, a gifted speaker and solution-focused, insightful leader who understands the challenges our students face every day. Fredrick has come full circle within Communities In Schools, from a student who needed and received the support of CIS to becoming the first alumni to serve on the state board, and now, to lead CIS’ work in Henry County,”
—Carol Lewis, CEO, Communities In Schools 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.
“Having the opportunity to see CIS students succeeding in and out of school has been the most rewarding aspect of my career so far. I’m also looking forward to strengthening community partnerships so we can start reaching as many vulnerable students as possible in Henry County. My goal is to become more than I currently am, and to take others on the journey with me.”
—Fredrick Bailey