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 Kings County Probation Department will use the grant funds to provide the elementary, middle school, summer, and families components to approximately 1,300 students. The county estimates that there are more than 5,000 gang members and associates within the community. The probation department's G.R.E.A.T. program aims to combat the influences of negative behaviors, and promote positive relationships with law enforcement. During the grant period, probation department officers will teach the curricula at approximately 15 schools and reach 60 families. The summer component will be provided in collaboration with the county recreation department, and will be held at local parks and a teen center. The remaining grant funds will be applied toward travel costs associated with G.R.E.A.T. certification training for newly assigned officers.

CA/NCF