About SPCS
Approved by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center as a Best Practice (opens in a new tab) in Suicide Prevention
Suicide Prevention for College Students (SPCS)
- Live training delivered to groups of students by Certified Instructors, virtually or in-person
- Only 90 minutes- easy to incorporate into a class period or campus activity
- Evidence-based and research-based- developed for use on college campuses by experts at Clover Educational Consulting Group
- Equips students with the knowledge and confidence to recognize signs of suicide risk in peers and connect them with help
What the 90 minutes contains
Three phases. Knowledge, then skill, then practice.
Knowing what to look for is only the beginning. SPCS moves students through three phases to turn awareness into action.
Information Phase
- Using safe and respectful language
- College suicide statistics
- Common myths and misconceptions
- Suicide risk factors and warning signs
Skill Building Phase
- Conducting a basic suicide risk assessment with peers
- Using a decision tree to determine the best course of action
- Connecting peers to support
Practice Phase
- Practicing skills through role play
- Building confidence to use new skills to support peers
Research Support for SPCS
Peer-reviewed, with demonstrated effectiveness.
Ross, S.G., Pazienza, R., Rosa, J. D., & Lipowski (2025). Evaluating the Gatekeeper Training Outcome Package (GTOP). [Manuscript under review]. Clover Educational Consulting Group.
Ross, S. G., Pazienza, R., & Rosa, J. D. (2024). The Suicide Prevention for College Students (SPCS) Gatekeepers Program: Comparing in-person and online training outcomes. Journal of American College Health, 1–4.
Ross, S. G., Pazienza, R., & Rosa, J. D. (2024). The Suicide Prevention for College Student (SPCS) gatekeepers program: A 3-year review of the evidence. Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 45(1), 41–47.
Ross, S. G., DeHay, T., & Deiling, M. (2021). The suicide prevention for college student gatekeepers program: A pilot study. Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 42(1), 48–55.
The SPCS difference
Built for college students.
SPCS is the only Best Practice gatekeeper training designed specifically for colleges. Every fact, example, discussion prompt, and role-play activity is tailored to college students and campus life, making the training highly relevant, engaging, and impactful.
Next step
Become a Certified Instructor for $549
Join the national network of instructors bringing SPCS to their campuses- attend a live training, schedule one for your whole team, or get certified at home.
