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 Salt River Pima - Maricopa Community Schools will use the grant funds to provide the elementary, middle school, summer, and families components to approximately 150 students and 10 families in an effort to curb the influences of gang members from neighboring areas on the community. Through the grant, law enforcement officers from the Salt River Police Department will provide the curricula to students attending Salt River Elementary School and the local Boys and Girls Club. The lesson plans will enable students to learn more about setting and achieving goals, as well as maintain positive and appropriate behavior. In addition, the families component will be offered to parents and guardians of students participating in the middle school curriculum. The summer component will include community service projects chosen by youth participants, and special field trips that will instill the same values and life skills taught in the elementary and core programs.

CA/NCF