Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2006, $250,000)
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 Mayes County Office of Commissioners located within the Cherokee Nation, will implement through the Mayes County Sheriff's Department and the Adair County Sheriff's Department, four components of the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program:
1) 13-week middle school curriculum,
2) the 6-week elementary (4th and 5th grades) curriculum,
3) the 6-lesson family component and
4) the summer component.
The goal of their project is to provide education to youth and family members about how to recognize gang behavior, apparel and recruiting techniques; to develop resistance skills; and develop and enhance mutual respect for law enforcement, parents, teachers, youth and the local Clubs.
G.R.E.A.T. connects the youth with positive adult role models, especially with members of local law enforcement. At-risk youth do not always have the ability to see their future as anything but what their past experiences have shown them. Youth need people in their lives that can encourage them to discover their full potential and envision their future as productive, responsible citizens involved in their families and communities. G.R.E.A.T. will enable them to provide their youths and families with the skills and resources they need to thrive in their community and to avoid behavior that puts them at risk.
CA/NCF