Gang Resistance Education and Training 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 City of Lake Mills Police Department proposes to teach all components of the G.R.E.A.T. program. Its plan is to teach the G.R.E.A.T. program to 88 fourth grade students (elementary school program) and 95 seventh grade students (middle school program). These children will be invited to attend a summer session of the G.R.E.A.T. program. The summer program will consist of six sessions, one day per week for six weeks. It is anticipated that 120 students will participate in the summer program. The Police Department also plans to include a family component for those students considered more at-risk for gang participation. It is anticipated 25 families will participated in the family component of G.R.E.A.T.

CA/NCF