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 Cumberland, through the Sheriff's Office, will use the grant funds to provide the elementary, middle school, and summer components to approximately 4,200 students. Schools with the highest percentage of Title I students will be given first priority in receiving the curricula in an effort to prevent gang related activity and school disturbances. The summer component will be offered to students identified by school social workers and guidance counselors as a means of instilling team building and positive relationships with law enforcement to reduce negative behavior. Grant funds will also be used to support G.R.E.A.T. certification training for six sheriff deputies.

CA/NCF