Gang Resistance Education and 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.

The County of Richland will utilize their FY 2006 G.R.E.A.T. grant to teach in elementary and middle schools. The county plans to educate a minimum of 1,900 students.
The county has coordinated with the Richland County Parks and Recreation and will be providing after school G.R.E.A.T. classes.
The county will also sponsor a G.R.E.A.T. summer camp for Richland Lexington School District Five and will service rising 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. Two camps will be held during the summer months and serve approximately 80 students free of charge.
Additionally, the G.R.E.A.T. Families Component will be taught at area churches within the county.

CA/NCF