Funding for Purpose of Implementing Elementary School, Middle School and Summer Components of 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 Lowell Police Department will utilize its FY 07 G.R.E.A.T. funds to continue to implement the elementary, middle, and summer components of the G.R.E.A.T. Program and to offset overtime costs of the G.R.E.A.T. officers for mentoring time at the Lowell Boys and Girls Club. The elementary and middle school curriculum will be taught to approximately 600 students. The summer component will continue to implement its Student Police Academy and will accommodate approximately 200 youth.

CA/NCF