G.R.E.A.T. Middle School, After School and Summer Programs

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 Pawtucket Police Department proposes to implement a community wide, collaborative approach to reduce gang violence. Its focus is to build their capacity to implement the G.R.E.A.T. Program within the elementary schools, middle schools, and summer program with its community partners. The grant funds will support implementation of the G.R.E.A.T. program in the city's three middle schools and eight elementary schools during the academic year. After school programs to be offered in collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club and a summer program also in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club. The Police Department currently has two certified G.R.E.A.T. officers and will send another officer to be certified in order to expand the Program.

CA/NCF