Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2009, $29,000)
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 Kingsburg will use FY 2010 Bureau of Justice Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program funds to support elementary and middle school, families, and summer components. The G.R.E.A.T. Program is a school-based, law enforcement officer-instructed classroom curriculum. The program's primary objective is prevention and is intended as an immunization against delinquency, youth violence, and gang membership. G.R.E.A.T. lessons focus on providing life skills to students to help them avoid delinquent behavior and violence to solve problems.
The City began with the Middle School Component and added the Summer Component due to the overwhelming response and success. The City of Kingsburg Police Department (PD) wants to expand to include all the components and serve more youth in the community. The PD has two certified G.R.E.A.T. Officers. Every 4th and 6th (460) student will receive the Elementary Component.
The Summer Component will be offered during the Kingsburg Summer Recreation Program and the Police Department will partner with numerous organizations to facilitate the delivery. Field trips will be provided to help enhance team-building concepts, promote program lessons, and provide opportunities to take part in program activities.
The Families Component is in its infancy stage; the Department is programming for 20 families to participate. The goals of the Kingsburg Elementary School are: improved academics, reduce disciplinary referrals and suspensions, increase staff morale, improve school atmosphere that is more conducive to learning, and enhance safety. The purpose of these programs is to create a safe school environment that supports academic achievement.
CA/NCF