BIO

Fred Jones holds a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from the University of South Carolina and an Associates Degree in Music Management from The Art Institute of Atlanta. This former cast member of the Broadway musical “RENT” is a gifted teacher and facilitator, drawing from his experiences as a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, and as a professional performer.

Fred began his career in education as a teaching artist working with, and learning from, at-risk youth in impoverished communities throughout NYC. Five years later, he moved on to manage after school programs for the New York City Department of Education where he served as Senior Grant Manager for the Office of Youth Development.

During his time in New York, Fred served as the Teen Summer Camp Director for SEIU healthcare union. He also developed and managed a 3-year school climate improvement pilot program in partnership with the National School Climate Center, Fordham University, and The Leadership Program. Fred provided technical assistance for schools and community based organizations across the state on topics ranging from infusing arts into the curriculum, to sustainability and capacity building.

Fred also served as an expert on several conference panels for the NY State 21st CCLC Technical Assistance Center and was the opening night motivational speaker at the 2009 NY State 21st CCLC after school conference in Albany NY.
In 2012 Fred relocated to Los Angeles where he worked as a Project Coordinator for the Los Angeles County office of Education After School Technical Assistance Unit. In that position he provided technical support to over 150 ASES and 21st CCLC funded grantees throughout LA County covering over 1800 sites. He also co-chaired the California After School Network (CAN) STEM committees Virtual Innovation Support Center work group. He was also a member of the CAN Nutrition and Physical Activity committee, and the LA County Department of Public Health’s JUMPP Task Force.

Fred is a passionate advocate for the self-empowerment of youth and adults, and feels his main purpose as an educator and a human being is to be of service. This philosophy is echoed in one of his favorite quotes by Khalil Gibran.

“The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind”