MAKING THE CUT
New teen barber program at Scott Anthony’s Barbering Academy
PAWTUCKET – Shortly after Scott Anthony opened his barbering academy of the same name, one designed to help men and women find a niche in life, about a year ago, he began thinking about ways to help teen-agers, those who might be experiencing problems in school or keeping their focus.
Anthony knows that rather well, as the same thing occurred to him as a student at East Providence High.
“I graduated, but I struggled mightily,” confessed Anthony as he worked inside Studio 135 at the Lofts on Columbus, 230 Columbus Ave., on Thursday afternoon. “I went into this vocational program at the school and that saved my life because of the leadership I received from my mentor, Mr. Eugene Cummings.
“He taught me barbering but a whole lot more,” he added. “He saved my life, and I want to provide the same for some at-risk kids.”
Though he’s talked about it for months, Anthony finally started what he calls his “Teen Mentorship/Life Skills Program” at his studio about three weeks ago. In it, he teaches the basics of barbering while incorporating life skills such how to communicate properly, time management, finance, anger management and more skills to become a successful entrepreneur.
He mixes it all into a threehour class twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays. And the best part? It doesn’t cost a dime, as it goes through the schools.
“I’ve been doing this with The Met High School for a long time, since 2003, but when I opened this place, I wanted to expand it to other kids in other schools,” he said. “I wanted to do it to redirect some of our troubled youth and allow them to get a new start; some students just aren’t as successful academically – either they don’t get it or don’t want to get it.
“This is for those who may be feeling they’re falling through the cracks, but may be interested in barbering.”
His goal was to open up the teen
program to high schoolers from Shea and Tolman to wherever, and after talks with School Department officials, it looked like he had landed a total of four from the two largest city public high schools, but a last-second glitch in the system didn’t allow their participation.
“I’m disappointed, but I’m still hopeful that this next school year, we’ll be able to work with those same kids,” he said. “Like I said, I’m working with those three from The Met, and they’re all doing amazing. We only started between two and three weeks ago, and they’re learning so fast. I’m really proud of them.”
They include Josiah Adolphe of Pawtucket, Angel Gabriel of East Providence and Jason Guzman of Providence; all three are The Met freshmen.
“I really want to become a barber because my father is one; he inspired me to practice cutting hair,” Adolphe said. “I’m doing OK in school, but I’m not planning on going to college because I really don’t want to. I want to learn a trade that I think I’d be good at, and I think being a barber is one of them. Look at my dad.
“I’ll also say I think this studio is amazing; I’ve learned so much here – how to handle scissors, how to wash hair, how to wash towels …”
Anthony immediately spoke up and asked, “Do you know how to mix Barbercide?” Adolphe and his new friends shook their heads.
“That’s next,” he replied. “You have to know how to mix the disinfectant solution. It’s very important to keep clients and yourselves free from disease and infection, keep everyone healthy and all the equipment clean.”
Gabriel explained he first and foremost wants to learn how to cut hair.
“I’m here because I see my barbers enjoy their jobs, and I think I’d enjoy it, too,” he said. “I’m doing well in school, so I don’t think I’ve got a choice of going to college because my mother wants me to go. I consider this something of a fallback. I mean, it’s always good to know how to cut hair.
“I love the program,” he added. “I’m forming connections with new people, and they’ve become friends outside the classroom. This is genuinely fun.”
Anthony also mentioned that he’s been in touch with the Rhode Island Department of Education, which is considering offering a free 20-student Youth Mentoring/Leadership Program to be run out of his studio this July; he called it more or less a Summer Barbering Camp that will include life skills, etc.
He said he’s still awaiting word from the RIDE powersthat-be about whether it will take place, and that folks interested in signing up may do so at www.enrollri.com and create your own account.
Anyone interested in registering for his regular adult classes may do so at (401) 457-8733 or by visiting www.ribarberschool. com.
“This teen program is coming along better than I thought it would – except for the fact we don’t have more kids,” he said. “These kids are very respectful, they’re hard workers and great learners. I got lucky.”