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.

The City of North Miami Beach will use Fiscal Year 2007 G.R.E.A.T. funds to support an initiative that includes the Elementary, Middle School, and Summer Program components. Although resources are currently being used for truancy and alternative-to-suspension programs, the G.R.E.A.T. program will fill a gap in much needed early prevention programming. The G.R.E.A.T. core curriculum will be administered by trained G.R.E.A.T. officers and will target 4th graders (elementary), and 6th and 7th graders (middle school). The core curriculum will: target prevention of youth violence by increasing graduation levels; create positive relationships between young people and law enforcement as measured by surveys; and strengthen communities by bringing together families, law enforcement, and schools in meetings and workshops. Award funds will be used for instructor salaries, required travel, and program supplies.

CA/NCF