G.R.E.A.T. After-School 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 Gulfport Police Department's School Resource Officer Unit offers the Elementary/Middle School, After-School, and PAL/G.R.E.A.T. Summer components through the City of Gulfport's G.R.E.A.T. Program. These components reach and focus on the highest risk youth by offering the elementary/middle school programs at every public elementary and middle school and three participating private and parochial schools and the after-school program at the middle school that serves students at highest risk based on low to middle income levels of the majority of families and other socio-economic factors. SRO/G.R.E.A.T. Officers will serve on the school's Student Assistance Teams (SAT) to collaborate with teachers to determine those students most in need of the programs available through the police department.

Implementation of the FY 2007 G.R.E.A.T. Program supports Gulfport and Harrison County School Districts' academic achievement and school safety goals by providing academic tutoring and extending the hours in which police officers and their vehicles are present on campus. The After-School program will include academic tutoring, Sports for Life (a recreational and sports based component that encourages participation throughout life and building habits for a healthier lifestyle), and Life Skills training which teaches positive life skills including gang avoidance. Grant funds will be used to cover transportation costs for students and academic tutoring services. The resources provided through this grant are expected to positively affect the lives of youth served and quality of life of the communities within the County.

CA/NCF