Chelsea GREAT 2007

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 Chelsea, via the police department, intends to implement the G.R.E.A.T. Program in both elementary and middle schools. The six-week elementary school component will be implemented in grades 4 and 5 for approximately 160 students and the 13-week middle school component will target approximately 120 students in grades 6 and 7. Chelsea's G.R.E.A.T. Program will expand youth educational, recreational, and enrichment opportunities in response to identified local needs and persistent youth safety problems.

CA/NCF