Seminole Couny G.R.E.A.T. Project

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 Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, in collaboration with the city of Seminole Police Department and the city of Wewoka Police Department, will use the grant funds to implement the elementary, middle school, and families components. It is anticipated that approximately 600 students and 10 families will receive the structured lesson plans in an effort to curb the development of serious gang activity in the area. A high level of unemployment, along with drug use and distribution, are risk factors that bring gangs into the community. Through the grant, three officers will be trained to deliver the curricula to three schools within Seminole County. The program will begin by targeting all middle school students in the fall semester, followed by the elementary school students in the spring. The families component will be provided throughout the year.

CA/NCF