South Salt Lake 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.

The South Salt Lake G.R.E.A.T. program will serve 1,000 youth and 100 families by coordinating activities that will build the following two protective factors: (1) involvement with positive peer group activities and norms, and (2) commitment to community and school. These protective factors will be built through the completion of the following G.R.E.A.T. program components: (1) elementary school; (2) middle school; and (3) family and summer components. The G.R.E.A.T. components implemented in the three elementary schools and the middle school will enhance the goals already set forth by the school district and will provide learning skills for at-risk youth in understanding the growing gang problem in the area.

The South Salt Lake G.R.E.A.T. Program will collaborate with several community groups to maximize the impact on the community. Collaborations with these groups will help improve program services, communicate with the community and seek sustainable funding.

CA/NCF