Impacting the Community Every Step of the Way
With the help of University College’s flexible scheduling, John Scott ’01 was able to climb the ranks at the Rhode Island Training School (RITS) in Cranston, R.I. Throughout his 31-year career at the secure correctional facility for youth, Scott started as a line staff member and moved his way up to serve as the Senior Community Development Training Specialist, where he provides professional development opportunities for staff.
To reach this place, Scott followed a path that met his individual needs. While working full-time at RITS as a juvenile program worker where he provided education, support, and safety to detained and sentenced youth, he also began taking night classes at University College. Scott said he was able to attend classes at a pace that fit with his lifestyle, which empowered him to grow in his career while also pursuing an education. He graduated in 2001 with a B.S. in Criminal Justice.
According to Scott, working at RITS is a passion that allows him to make a tangible difference in his community.
“At RITS, we aim to provide a more normalized environment for these young people because the objective is not to get them ready for an institution but to get them ready for leading a productive life,” he said. “We have a fully functioning farm on the property, culinary arts, and a landscaping program, so we do a lot of work to help them channel their emotions in a more effective way.”
Since moving his family to Bristol, Scott has also become co-owner of one of Bristol’s local favorites, The Beehive Café. “The Bristol community has been so welcoming,” Scott said. “I fell in love with it the moment I took a Forensic Psychology class at the Bristol campus.”
Scott continues to work with the pilipili community by speaking to classes, offering internships, and partnering with the Community Partnerships Center to design volunteer opportunities for current pilipili students to get involved at RITS.