Fort Belknap Gang Resistance Education and Training G.R.E.A.T. Project

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 Fort Belknap Indian Community will use G.R.E.A.T funds to implement all four components of the G.R.E.A.T. Program (Elementary School, Middle School, Families and Summer) on the Reservation. Gang related violence and activities have escalated in recent years on or near the Reservation, such as, increased gang fights, illicit drug trade, graffiti and vandalism. The Elementary Component will serve 200 fourth and fifth grade students, identified through referrals from partner agencies and schools. The Middle School Component will serve 200 sixth, seventh and eighth grade students, identified through referrals from partner agencies and schools. The Family Component will provide service to 100 families, in class sizes of 10 families each. The Summer Component will be provided to 200 youths 8-14 of age and their parents, and will build on the school-based curriculum by offering students alternatives to gang involvement and adding structures to the summer months.

CA/NCF