The Gang Resistance Education and Training (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 curricula help students develop values and practice behaviors that will help them avoid destructive activities. G.R.E.A.T. program staff coordinate project activities with federal, regional, state, and local agencies, as well as individuals from community and civic groups. The goal of the program is to train criminal justice professionals to deliver a school-based curriculum that teaches life-skills competencies, gang awareness, and violence-avoidance techniques.

The City of Hamilton, through the City Police Department, will use G.R.E.A.T. funds to provide the elementary, middle school, and summer components through enhanced skills training, cooperative learning, discussion, and role-playing. In addition, it is anticipated that G.R.E.A.T. officers will receive training in the family component with the goal of implementing the families curriculum to at-risk students and their families during the current school year. Courses will combine the practical aspects of conflict resolution, social responsibility, peer pressure recognition, refusal skills, anger management, and communication skill building. The department's efforts are in collaboration with multiple federal, state, and local entities. These partnerships are designed to aid in information gathering on gang activity and developing positive messages and positive outlets for local youth.

CA/NCF