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.

The North Brunswick Township Police Department will use the fiscal year 2009 G.R.E.A.T. funds to deliver the middle school, families, and summer components. The township is centrally located between the cities of Newark and Trenton, New Jersey. Because of this proximity, gang recruitment and violence often spills into the community. Through the grant, the department will establish a positive relationship with students and provide them the tools needed to live a successful adult life by teaching them to respect others and their property, establish goal setting skills that further enhances study habits, and help them build self-esteem.

CA/NCF