2008-09 South Salt Lake GREAT 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 South Salt Lake will use the grant funds to implement the elementary, middle school, and summer components. The city has experienced an increase in gang activity in recent years, and has a reported 50 to 60 active gangs. During the grant funded period, it is anticipated that the G.R.E.A.T. program will serve 1,000 youth in the school year and 200 youth in the summer through coordinated activities that builds on involvement with positive peer groups and commitment and participation in community and school activities. Program goals include providing safe and secure educational experiences and positive learning skills and opportunities for at-risk youth experiencing the growing gang problems plaguing the city. The grant will pay for personnel costs, travel expenses for staff attendance at the annual conference and G.R.E.A.T. officer's training, transportation for summer field trips, and supplies for the completion of the project.

CA/NCF