Columbus 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 Columbus Police Department, in collaboration with the Muscogee County School District, will use funds to implement the G.R.E.A.T. program. The funds will be used to implement the middle school, family, and summer components. The school district will allow G.R.E.A.T. to be facilitated in every seventh grade social studies class in middle school. The family component will be taught to a maximum of 40 families. Parents of high-risk youth will be taught first. The summer component will be conducted at one of the middle schools. The G.R.E.A.T. officers will address numerous topics, including bullying, thefts, criminal damage to property, burglary, alcohol, drug possession, peer pressure, gang graffiti, and gangs. The police department and schools will work closely with at-risk students to provide education about alternatives to gangs and violence. Funds will also be used for officer salaries, training, travel, and supplies.

CA/NCF