About Our Founder
“As my vision became clearer, my inner circle became smaller.”
– James Scott, Embassy Row Project Founder
James Scott, the founder of the James Scott Institute, is a passionate advocate for leveraging technology and education to transform the lives of troubled youth. His journey from a challenging background to becoming a leading figure in advanced critical infrastructure technology uniquely positions him to understand and address the needs of at-risk teens.
A Transformative Early Experience
James Scott’s path was forever altered in high school when he was accepted into an advanced STEM program. This opportunity allowed him to immerse himself in robotics alongside his regular academic classes from 10th grade through graduation. Coming from a difficult home environment marked by abuse, James found hope and guidance in his mentor, Mr. Bianco, whose patience and kindness proved transformative.
During his senior year, a pivotal moment occurred when a recruiter from SGS Thomson Microelectronics (now STMicroelectronics), a company specializing in aerospace and defense technology, approached James. This encounter set the stage for his future career, opening doors that would eventually lead to advisory roles with stakeholders in over 50 countries.
From Tech Advisor to Youth Advocate
As James’s career in technology and advisory services flourished, he never forgot the impact that early access to STEM education had on his own life. He began working closely with small, ambitious think tanks, institutes, and NGOs, often offering his services pro bono to projects he found compelling but financially constrained.
This experience led James to recognize the untapped potential in troubled youth who, like himself, could benefit immensely from access to tech and STEM education. He envisioned a future where these young people could be empowered to overcome their circumstances and become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.
Founding the James Scott Institute
Driven by his personal experiences and professional insights, James founded the James Scott Institute with a clear mission: to revolutionize tech and STEM education for at-risk youth aged 17 to 20, particularly those transitioning from juvenile detention, foster care, and other challenging environments.
The institute embodies James’s belief in the transformative power of education, technology, and mentorship. By providing innovative programs, service-based scholarships, and a supportive ecosystem, the James Scott Institute aims to equip troubled teens with the skills, knowledge, and support needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving fields of cybersecurity and STEM.
A Vision for the Future
James Scott’s personal mission extends beyond individual success stories. He envisions a world where access to cutting-edge tech education becomes a powerful tool for social change, breaking cycles of poverty and crime, and fostering a new generation of diverse tech leaders.
Through the James Scott Institute, he continues to work tirelessly to connect promising young minds with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to succeed. By bridging the gap between troubled youth and the tech industry, James is not only changing individual lives but also shaping a more inclusive and innovative future for the tech sector as a whole.
James Scott’s journey from a troubled teen to a tech visionary and philanthropist serves as an inspiration to the young people the institute supports. His story is a testament to the transformative power of education, mentorship, and opportunity – the very pillars upon which the James Scott Institute is built.