Student Professional Awareness Program (SPA Program)

The SPA program is a sobering look at what happens when young people sell, buy and use illegal drugs. Showing young people the cold realities of jail proves a lasting and effective crime prevention program.

The SPA program is available to all Monmouth County junior high and high school students and the program is run year-round. The message is simple: “stay in school and avoid the harmful lifestyle choices that could lead to incarceration”. Inmates tell the truth about life behind bars and students learn that jail is not a friendly or exciting place to be.

In 2014, the Sheriff’s Prison Awareness program conducted 72 tours of the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, with over 1,000 junior high and high school students receiving a first-hand look at the realities of life in a correctional facility. Since 1996, the Sheriff’s Office has given 589 tours to 9,538 students. The SPA program received national television recognition, appearing numerous times on such shows as the Maury Povich Show, Ricki Lake, Judge Hatchett and Anonda Lewis.

For additional information on participating in the Student Professional Awareness program, please contact Selina Mishkin at smishkin@mcsonj.org or 732-431-6400 Ext. 1185