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.

This FY 2007 G.R.E.A.T. grant will be used by the Youngstown Police Department to implement the G.R.E.A.T. program in Youngstown middle schools and support its Family Component. The G.R.E.A.T. program will be taught in every middle school in the City of Youngstown. The Middle School Program will instruct middle school students, specifically 6th through 8th grade students, in an effort to reduce their involvement in gangs, teach them consequences of gang involvement and help them form a better relationship with law enforcement. Each class will consist of 13 hours (13 weeks), therefore, an officer will instruct at five separate schools per week and repeat this curriculum the second half of the school year. It is anticipated that 760 6th graders, 791 7th graders, and 758 8th graders will be taught by G.R.E.A.T. certified officers. The Family Component will consist of an officer instructing two classes per week for six week periods throughout school year. During the summer months, there will be four classes per week. Sixty families have been targeted to participate in the Family Component of G.R.E.A.T.

CA/NCF