FY 2008 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 county of Fresno will use the grant funds to implement the elementary, middle school, summer, and families components in the West Fresno School District. All students enrolled in the district are deemed as high-risk due to socioeconomic factors, truancy rate, Title I designation, and proximity to various gangs and their activities. Through the grant, the elementary and middle school components will encompass a dual focus of prevention and rehabilitation instruction for those identified as already being associated with a gang. The families component will consist of the set lesson plans, communication and coping skills instruction, and services available for parents with children being recruited by criminal street gangs. The summer component will enforce the elementary and middle school programs, as well as provide additional cultural, educational, and recreational activities designed to instill positive experiences for at-risk youth. Remaining funds will be applied toward costs associated with the G.R.E.A.T. certification training.

CA/NCF