Yakima''s GREAT Partnership 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.

The City of Yakima will use G.R.E.A.T. program funds to eradicate gang, violence, and drug problems in and around the city. The Yakima Police Department and the Yakima School District will collaborate their efforts to provide G.R.E.A.T. classroom instructions for students and will also offer a summer program for individuals needing additional opportunities to enhance their social skills. The Summer Program will be open to other "at risk" youth in the community who may also need structured summer activities.

CA/NCF