Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.)

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 New York City Police Department, through the Youth Services Section, Community Affairs Bureau, will utilize Level II G.R.E.A.T. funding to implement the middle school, summer, and families components, as well as a local after school program, in collaboration with multiple youth and community service organizations. Programs will focus on specific areas in Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island based on gang activity and youth violence data. It is estimated that more than 5,000 students will take part in the gang resistance lessons.

CA/NCF