The GREAT Training Program

The Gang Resistance Education And Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program is a life-skills competency program designed to provide students with the skills they need to avoid gang pressure and youth violence. G.R.E.A.T.'s violence prevention curriculum helps students develop values and practice behaviors that will assist them to avoid destructive activities. The G.R.E.A.T. program coordinates with federal, regional, state and local agencies, as well as individuals from community and civic groups. The goal of the G.R.E.A.T. program is to train law enforcement officers in a school-based curriculum in which the officers provide instruction to school-aged children in life skill competencies, gang awareness, and anti-violence techniques. Training in the core G.R.E.A.T. program is provided to officers from any state or local law enforcement agency.

Proctor Public Schools proposes to implement a G.R.E.A.T. program at its fourth grade level, and offering the summer program to 7th and 8th graders. The G.R.E.A.T. program is already provided at the 7th grade level within Proctor Middle School, through the City of Proctor's support for the School Resource Office position. However, the funding for the current 7th grade program is minimal and does not include incentives for students. Grant funds will be used to cover full implementation costs for 4th grade, as well as supplemental costs for the 7th grade and summer program. The Proctor Public School System estimates it will teach the G.R.E.A.T. program to 320 students during the project year.

CA/NCF