WCPD 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 West Covina will use its 2007 G.R.E.A.T funds to implement the G.R.E.A.T. Middle School, Elementary School, Summer, and Families components. The Elementary School Component will be taught to all 4th graders in West Covina and focus on such issues as bullying, communication, respect, anger management, and good citizenship. The Middle School Component will reinforce the elementary curriculum, delve into the problems of gangs and how to avoid them, with a focus on self development. The Summer Component will target 4th to 7th grade students, focus on gangs, drugs, decision making, CPR, physical fitness, teamwork, graffiti dangers, site visits to juvenile hall, team competitions, and reward trips. The Families Component will serve as diversion tool and a method to engage the parents of seriously at-risk students with a recent misdemeanor, offering the student a fresh start and clean record upon successful completion.

CA/NCF