Kalamazoo Public Safety 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 overall strategy of the City of Kalamazoo's Department of Public Safety G.R.E.A.T. Program is to help youth develop positive life skills to avoid violent activities and gang involvement. The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety will implement a middle school component, an elementary school component, and a summer component. The curriculum will be taught at three middle schools to all eighth graders and nine elementary schools to all fifth graders. The summer program will include the G.R.E.A.T. officer conducting safety presentations at the summer youth recreation programs, conducting two youth academies, and delivering presentations at the summer programs at the Boys and Girls Clubs. The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety will utilize the funds for salary, travel, training, and supplies for the G.R.E.A.T. Program.

CA/NCF