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 city of Glendale Police Department will use the fiscal year 2009 G.R.E.A.T. funds to deliver the elementary, middle school, summer and families components. The elementary and middle school curricula will reach all fourth and sixth grade students in 22 schools throughout the city. The summer program will operate at three different locations in the city, with each program encompassing two weeks in length. It is anticipated G.R.E.A.T. officers and school counselors will refer at-risk students for participation. To further reach at-risk youth, school administrators and G.R.E.A.T. officers will also refer family members for participation in the families component.

CA/NCF