The Fred S. Bailey Scholarship and Fellowship Program, administered by the University YMCA at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, awards nearly $200,000 annually to students committed to leadership, scholarship, and social impact.
Scholarship Details
- Nearly $200,000 awarded annually
- More than $5 million awarded to over 3,000 students since inception
- Undergraduate scholarships based on leadership, character, academic performance, and service
- Bailey Leadership Awards: Four $6,000 awards for seniors making an impact in Social Justice, Environment, Faith in Action, or International Issues
- Fred S. Bailey Graduate Fellowship: $14,000 stipend plus tuition and partial fee waiver
- Unpaid Internship Support: $1,500 (part-time) or $3,000 (full-time) for students participating in public service internships
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be an undergraduate or graduate student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Must demonstrate leadership, commitment to community service, and academic excellence
- Graduate Fellowship applicants must show experience in community organizing, service, or activism
- Leadership Award applicants must be rising seniors with impact in one of four focus areas
- Unpaid Internship Program applicants must secure a social impact internship with a nonprofit or public agency
Application Process
- Visit the University YMCA website to review open scholarship and fellowship opportunities
- Select the appropriate application for undergraduate, graduate, leadership, or internship support
- Complete the application form, including personal statements, academic transcripts, and documentation of service or internship commitment
- Submit letters of recommendation (requirements vary by award type)
- Submit the completed application by the published deadline (dates vary by opportunity)
- Wait for notification of award decisions from the University YMCA
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."
