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 city of Indianapolis, in collaboration with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, will use its Fiscal Year 2008 G.R.E.A.T grant funds to implement the elementary, middle school, family, and summer components. To prevent youth gang participation, G.R.E.A.T. will be offered to 4,700 elementary and middle school students, while the summer program will be offered to 100 students. The city also will conduct family programs at five sites for 25 to 40 families, partnering with the Indiana Women's Prison, Shepherd Community Center, Weed & Seed Safe Havens, and local schools. The city will also will hold a 'No Violence Is G.R.E.A.T.' rally to kick-off a summer of safety.

CA/NCF