Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2006, $33,640)
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 Glendale Heights Police Department plans to implement the G.R.E.A.T. elementary school, middle school, and summer components. The elementary school curriculum will be taught at 5 schools and will serve approximately 600 students. The middle school curriculum will be offered through the area's 2 public school districts, 2 special needs facilities, and 1 parochial school. An estimated 600 students will participate. The summer program will target at-risk youth and will serve a minimum of 50 youth. This program will be structured and educational, but less formal than classroom instruction. The police department will continue to collaborate with the schools, businesses, and community organizations and committees to offer a variety of programs and events that target community youth.
CA/NCF