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 village of Catskill Police Department will use the fiscal year 2009 G.R.E.A.T. funds to implement the elementary, middle school, and summer components in an effort to prevent gangs from establishing a stronger presence in the community and prevent crime and discipline issues in village schools. Through the grant, the village anticipates reaching 645 students. The elementary curriculum will be taught to all fourth and fifth graders, while all students who attend Catskill Middle School will receive the middle school lesson plans. The summer component will be an extension of the school district's summer school and will involve a leadership academy in which participants learn new skills intertwined with positive youth development and community service.

CA/NCF