Awards
Impact
170,000
dollars in scholarships given this year
48
recipients
12
countries visited by travel recipients
62
% of scholars identify as Black, Hispanic, LatinX, Asian, or Multi-racial
History
As President of Champaign National Bank, Fred S. Bailey developed a strong appreciation for the University YMCA and believed in its commitment to develop and nurture ethical leaders who were committed to making the world a better place. When he passed away in 1955, his Will established the Fred Bailey Trust and designated two-thirds of the income to be paid to the University YMCA for scholarships to U of I students on the basis of "moral character, intelligence, leadership and scholarship without regard to their field of study."
Over the past 70 years, the University YMCA has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships to thousands of University of Illinois students through the Bailey Scholarship Program. Since 2001, over 500 students have received $3+ million.
In 2009, the University YMCA updated and fully integrated the Bailey Scholarship Program within its programming. As a result, the criteria changed to emphasize service and action in addition to financial need and academic achievement. This review also led to the creation of the Bailey Leadership Awards, four $8,000 awards given to upcoming seniors who have made an exceptional impact in one of the following areas: Social Justice, Environment, Faith in Action, and International Issues.
In 2013, the program added the Fred S. Bailey Fellowship for Community Leadership, Service, and Activism to support graduate and professional students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus who have shown a strong commitment to community organizing, activism, and/or service. The Fellowship offers a $14,000 stipend and a tuition and partial fee waiver for most programs.
In the spring semester of 2014, we launched the GLOBAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM that awards $1,000 scholarships to University of Illinois undergraduate students who participate in a program that connects them in an immersive social impact internship opportunity around the world offered by our partner Omprakash. The University YMCA’s FRED S. BAILEY UNPAID INTERNSHIP SCHOLARSHIP program provides $1,500 and $3,000 to students who accept part-time or full-tie unpaid internships with public service agencies and not for profit organizations.
Resources
Sample Resume
Applicants should ensure their resume showcases their community involvement.
Sample Internship MOU
BEFORE THE INTERNSHIP
Unpaid Internship Scholars must submit a signed Letter of Agreement, learning objectives and a final job description before their internship start date. These items must be approved by both the faculty sponsor and the Bailey Scholarship Director.
You must also submit a Site Agreement Memorandum of Understanding to be completed and signed by your Site Sponsor.

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