All undergraduate students who will be enrolled at UIUC throughout the upcoming term are eligible to apply for an award of $4,000. Students who have previously received an award may reapply for the scholarship each year but must demonstrate a continued commitment to service and/or activism, academic achievement, and personal development. All undergraduate students who will graduate during the upcoming academic year are automatically considered for the Leadership Award. You do not need to fill out a separate application.
Decision Criteria
- Qualified applicants will demonstrate positive impact as a result of service, community involvement, leadership, and action;
- Qualified applicants will demonstrate awareness and critical thought about the pressing issues facing the world today;
- Financial need and academic achievement will also be considered.
The Bailey Scholarship for Cause-Driven Leaders Scholarship application consists of six sections: Community Involvement, Financial Information, Letter(s) of Recommendation, Academic Information, Demographic Information, and Additional Information.
In addition to providing information about your academic and community activities, you must provide the following supporting documents.
- Community Involvement Resume - You will be asked to upload a current resume. Your resume should include volunteer and involvement activities for both campus and the general community. Examples of this type of resume, can be found below in the Resources for Applicants section.
- Letter(s) of Recommendation - You must submit at least one letter of recommendation to be considered for a Bailey Scholarship. In addition, applicants have the option to submit a second recommendation letters. Applicants who will graduate during the 2024-23 term and would like to be considered for the Bailey Leadership Award are especially encouraged to submit two letters of recommendation. All letters of recommendation must be submitted by March 5, 2024.
- University of Illinois Financial Aid Award Letter: Upload your University of Illinois Financial Aid award letter (if available) for the scholarship term (2024-2025). If you have not received your award letter for the upcoming term, you may upload last year's letter or contact bailey@universityymca.org for an alternative.
- Academic Transcript or Academic History
- If you are a current U of I student, please submit your academic history report. You can obtain your academic history report by logging into the Enterprise Student Self Service. Please save your academic history as a PDF and then upload to the application.
- INCOMING HIGH SCHOOL/TRANSFER STUDENTS: - If you are a graduating high school senior or a transfer student, contact your school's guidance or advising office for assistance obtaining your official transcript. You may choose to upload your transcript below OR you may mail it to the Y. If you choose to mail your transcript, please send it to University YMCA, ATTN: Bailey Scholarship, 1001 S. Wright Street, Champaign, IL 61820. You may also email a copy to bailey@universityymca.org. Your application will not be processed until your transcript is received.
All first-time undergraduate scholars must participate in a minimum of 2 leadership workshops or retreats and 2 enrichment events during each semester. These activities may be from a pre-approved list or may be arranged with approval of the Bailey Scholarship Director. Virtual participation in leadership and enrichment activities is allowed.
For a sample list of pre-approved leadership and enrichment activities click here >>>
All returning scholarship recipients and leadership award recipients are required to plan and present a skill-based workshop on a topic of their choosing. To prepare you, you are required to attend two training workshops during the fall semester on “Developing Workshop Curriculum” and “Communications and Workshop Planning.
Position Description & Application
