FY 2009 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 coordinates 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.

Nassau County, through the police department, will use fiscal year 2009 G.R.E.A.T. funds to provide the elementary, middle school, and summer curricula to approximately 9,500 youth in the five areas of the county that are disproportionately impacted by gangs, gun crime, and gun violence. The Nassau County program is designed around a humanistic and people oriented approach, with the aim of helping youth help themselves in reducing precursor attitudes and behaviors. To further enhance individual programs, the G.R.E.A.T. officers will partner with parent and community based organizations.

CA/NCF