Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) 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 Sylvester will use the grant funds to implement the middle school, families, and summer components for 2007. The funding will be used to service youth in the Sylvester/Worth community. The target group will be middle school children in the community and their families. The G.R.E.A.T. officers will address some of the following topics in the curriculum: armed robbery, aggravated assault, thefts, criminal damage to property, alcohol, drug possession, and gangs. The middle school program will focus on all students, not just the ones that are normally associated with gang involvement. Teaching the students how to effectively say "no" to any gang involvement will be stressed. The G.R.E.A.T. officers will provide education on alternatives to gangs and violence. The City will also use funds for personnel, training, equipment, and supplies.

CA/NCF