ARCHS G.R.E.A.T. Program St. Louis County

The Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program (Byrne Discretionary Program) helps local communities improve the capacity of local justice systems and provides for national support efforts. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 08 Congressional Budget. Funds should be used for purposes recommended by Congress.

The Area Resources for Community and Human Services (ARCHS), in partnership with the Jennings Police Department (JPD) and the Jennings School District (JSD), will implement an effective school-based gang-prevention project in St. Louis County that expands on the successful Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T) program now operating in the City of St. Louis. ARCHS will target JSD elementary and middle schools to provide additional resources to combat the growing influence of gangs among high risk youth in their neighborhoods. The goal is to increase the targeted youths' negative attitudes toward gangs and their positive attitudes toward law enforcement. G.R.E.A.T officers and ARCHS will provide professional development to all JSD teachers and administrative personnel. This will serve as an orientation to gang issues, and will teach how to support and monitor progress of the project's goals and objectives. ARCHS will create safer schools and communities by building positive relationships between youth and law enforcement.

NCA/NCF