GREAT Program, Cedar Rapids

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 State of Iowa Sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services (DOCS) and the Cedar Rapids Police Department will utilize award funds to deliver the G.R.E.A.T. program curriculum to middle, elementary, and summer camp students. Cedar Rapids has a growing street gang problem. The Gangster Disciples, Black Disciples, Unknown, Insane, Four Corner Hustler, Traveling and Conservative Vice Lords are the names of some of the commonly known active gang organizations in this community. Each of these organizations recruit, conduct initiations, fight among themselves, commit acts of violence on the citizenry, use weapons and violence to resolve disputes and sell drugs in Cedar Rapids. A School Resource Officer and Probation/Parole Officer will deliver the G.R.E.A.T curriculum to over 500 students throughout the year. Students participating in the G.R.E.A.T. program will be taught gang-abstinence, delinquent behavior modification and how to build positive relationships within their community.

CA/NCF