Implementing a GREAT 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.

Albemarle County will use the 2006 G.R.E.A.T. funds to send 11 officers to the 40 hour G.R.E.A.T. Training. Upon completion of the training, these officers will schedule and provide the required 13 week program to middle schools. They will run two programs in each of the three grades in five middle schools during the spring and fall terms.

CA/NCF