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 Canton Police Department will use the grant funds to provide the elementary, middle school, families, and summer components to approximately 435 students and 10 families. Through the grant, the department aims to provide the elementary and core curricula to students in order to reduce aggression and violence in the school to produce a positive learning environment. In addition, the department will work with the school district and community-based organizations to provide the summer component and also the families program to families identified as high-risk.

CA/NCF