Gang Resistance Education & Training (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 Grand Forks will utilize their Fiscal Year 2007 GREAT grant to educate over 500 7th grade students in the region with the Gang Resistance Education Training course to encourage reduction in delinquency, youth violence, and gang membership. Some of the goals will be to prevent youth crime, violence, and gang involvement among school-aged youth in the community by reducing the precursor attitudes and behaviors associated with these behaviors. The program will stress the importance of family, provide positive alternatives to illegal gang activities, and include a summer GREAT program for an intense two-week session where police officers will mentor 12 high risk youth.

CA/NCF