Funding to continue the G.R.E.A.T. Program in the City of Lakewood.

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 Lakewood will use this $149,017 Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 Gang Resistance Education And Training (G.R.E.A.T.) funding to implement middle school, elementary school, summer and family programs. The goal is to suppress, intervene, and prevent gang pressure and youth violence. Funds will be used to staff the Clover Park School District with five School Resource Officers (SROs) to continue ongoing relationships between school staff, faculty and students. Funding will also be used to identify high risk youth and introduce them to G.R.E.A.T. summer programs. Additionally, funds will be used to support a learning environment, increase student involvement, reduce discipline concerns, and help build a positive relationship between officers and students.

CA/NCF