Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2006, $54,500)
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 Riverside will use its grant award to provide introduction training to the City of Blythe's 4th and 5th grade students as well as the core training to all incoming 7th graders in the hopes of affording them with the self-reliant skills needed to avoid violent conflict resolution often associated with gang activity. This year 295 7th graders will participate in the GREAT program. The County will also be sharing a modified program with approximately 300 4th graders and 299 5th graders within the Blythe school district.
CA/NCF