Durham 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 City of Durham's G.R.E.A.T. Program is designed to encourage elementary and middle school students to become responsible members of their communities by setting goals, resisting pressure to join gangs, resolve conflict without violence, and to understand the negative ramifications of gang involvement. Their program has three main components: 1) a 6th grade curriculum; 2) a fourth grade session; and 3) a summer recreation/education program. The City of Durham will utilize the funds to help achieve their two fundamental goals ' to educate a population of young people about the consequences of gang involvement and to reduce gang activity and violent behavior.

CA/NCF