A five-week summer program for high school students recently visited RJ Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD).
RJD as well as their chapter of the Chicano Correctional Workers Association (CCWA) partnered with STAR/PAL to host a summer school visit.
What is STAR/PAL? It stands for Sports, Training, Academics, Recreation/Police Athletic League. It is a San Diego nonprofit group who works with law enforcement to build positive community relationships.
STAR/PAL summer school learns about RJD
The organization hosts a summer program for San Diego County high school students who participate in educational, hands-on civic-engagement activities. The summer school offers a safe place for students to engage in experiences otherwise unavailable to them.
The now inactive RJD minimum support facility acted as a base of operations for the tour and activities. The tour included guest speakers from various areas of the prison and a display of inmate-manufactured weapons followed by lunch. There was also a presentation by the RJD Honor Guard and a K-9 demonstration. The students conducted a mock cell search, spoke with incarcerated firefighters, and were given an overview of the tools used by correctional officers.
CCWA president Sylvie Villeux said she was honored to be a part of hosting the students.
“I’m looking forward to further opportunities in building positive relationships between law enforcement and the community,” she said.
The students had the opportunity to ask questions about jobs, duties, and potential careers at the prison.
Events such as these also serve to educate people who might be interested in a corrections career.
Interested Correctional Officer applicants can apply online at JoinCDCR.com.
Submitted by Lt. Adam Garvey
Written by RJD Facility E Capt. Shelley Amador
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