Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2006, $201,004)
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 Ingham County Prosecutor's Office is contracting with the Lansing Police Department to hire, train, and supervise two police officers to be certified as G.R.E.A.T. officers. These officers will be fully dedicated to providing all four components of the program: the 6-week elementary school curriculum, 13-week middle school curriculum, 6-week family program, and summer component. G.R.E.A.T. will be taught to 8th graders in Lansing's four middle schools and to 5th graders in elementary schools located in high crime neighborhoods. At least one family program will be offered to 20 families. Depending upon parents' interest, additional programs may be added. The summer program will be operated in collaboration with after-school programs (e.g., Boys and Girls Club, YMCA) and will target students who have completed the G.R.E.A.T. program. This component will include field trips, local sporting events, and participation in faith-based activities and community improvement projects.
CA/NCF