G.R.E.A.T. 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 Hinds County Sheriff's Office and the Hinds County Public School District will coordinate to implement the Gang Resistance Education And Training (GREAT) program. The Hinds County Sheriff's Office will use these funds to provide the GREAT core curriculum to approximately 600 students during the school year. The 13 week GREAT curriculum will be delivered to all 7th grade middle school students in Byram Middle School and the Alternative School during the first semester of the school year. The 13 week GREAT program will be delivered in the remaining schools by the second semester, which includes Utica, Raymond, and Bolton/Edwards Middle Schools. In addition, funds will support a Summer Program for at-risk youth. The funds will also allow the program to provide summer activities, assessment procedures, a graduation ceremony, and a variety of educational field trips.

CA/NCF