BJA Programs

Gang Resistance Education And Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program

Overview:

G.R.E.A.T. News

NCCD report issued in July 2009 summarizes gang risk factors and characteristics of gang-involved youth. Although the report clearly states that there is no "one-size-fits-all" method to reduce or prevent gang involvement, the report does, however, state that "...enhancing school-based gang prevention efforts, could significantly impact gang activity, especially at school, but also in the community. The report can be found at: http://www.nccd-crc.org/nccd/pdf/Youth_gangs_final.pdf

The Gang Resistance Education And Training (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 G.R.E.A.T. Program, previously administered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), is now administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), a component of the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), U.S. Department of Justice. Since its inception in 1991, over 8,000 law enforcement officers have been certified as G.R.E.A.T. instructors and more than 4 million students have graduated from the G.R.E.A.T. Program.

For more detailed information regarding the G.R.E.A.T. curriculum, how to start a G.R.E.A.T. program in your community, and training and certification of G.R.E.A.T. officers, click here to go the G.R.E.A.T. web page. Contact us via e-mail at AskGreat@usdoj.gov

G.R.E.A.T. Grant Funding

FY 2009 Grants Announced:

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) received 270 applications for FY 2009 grant funds. All applications that passed the basic review process were sent forward for review by a panel of subject matter experts. All awards were based on the scores resulting from the review process. Twenty-four local projects were recommended for funding. Click here to see a list of FY 2009 G.R.E.A.T. grants.

Gang Resistance Education And Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program
FY 2009 Competitive Grant Announcement
Frequently Asked Questions

Gang Resistance Education And Training (G.R.E.A.T.)Regional Training Centers
FY 2009 Competitive Grant Announcement
Frequently Asked Questions

How/When To Apply: Since 2004, the Bureau of Justice Assistance has awarded more than $58 million in grant funds to jurisdictions across the country.

Annual grant funding solicitations are normally announced in the last quarter of the year. Information regarding any FY 2010 G.R.E.A.T. funding will be made available on this web page.

Important Announcements:

G.R.E.A.T. Regional Reorganization

Effective October 1, 2009, the G.R.E.A.T. Program is being reorganized into four regions. It is possible that your state has been reassigned to a new region. The four regions will be:

  • Midwest Atlantic
  • Southeast
  • Southwest
  • West

    • Please use the visual provided to determine whether your state has been reassigned to a new region and/or will have a different regional office. If so, you may click here for your new region's contact information.

    G.R.E.A.T. Officer In-service Trainings Announced for 2010
    Due to funding shortages, there will not be a G.R.E.A.T. National Conference in 2010. However, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) is sponsoring regional in-service training programs for G.R.E.A.T. officers who have taught G.R.E.A.T. for at least one year. The goal of the training is to provide participants with an interactive and self-directed forum where they will learn: More information on G.R.E.A.T. Officer In-service Trainings

  • How to implement, fund, and market the G.R.E.A.T. Program.
  • New ways to ethically respond to common situations involving school staff, parents, and students using effective communication, interaction, and coping skills.

    • G.R.E.A.T. Officer In-service Trainings now available for 2010
    Due to funding shortages, there will not be a G.R.E.A.T. National Conference in 2010. However, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) is sponsoring regional in-service training programs for G.R.E.A.T. officers who have taught G.R.E.A.T. for at least one year. The goal of the training is to provide participants with an interactive and self-directed forum where they will learn:

    More information on G.R.E.A.T. Officer In-service Trainings

    Important Information for All G.R.E.A.T. Grantees:

    Workbooks and Student Graduation Certificates:
    In order to maintain the integrity of the G.R.E.A.T. curricula, all G.R.E.A.T. Officers are required to utilize the official student workbooks when teaching the Middle or Elementary school lessons. The workbooks are provided free-of-charge, to all active, certified G.R.E.A.T. Officers. Click here to access additional information and the required order forms.

    In addition, all G.R.E.A.T. Officers are encouraged to use the "official" G.R.E.A.T. Student and Family Graduation certificates that are also offered free, to all certified G.R.E.A.T. Officers. Starting with the 2009-10 school year, certificates will be delivered with your student workbook order. Click here to access the graduation certificate order form.

    G.R.E.A.T. are now available through the National Program Office.

    Download the G.R.E.A.T. Families Order Form*

    G.R.E.A.T. Student Pre/Post Questionnaire Process:
    All G.R.E.A.T. grant funding is subject to the Federal Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA). As a G.R.E.A.T. grantee, your jurisdiction/agency must collect and submit performance data. This data helps the Bureau of Justice Assistance report G.R.E.A.T. efforts and successes to Congress and demonstrates the value of the G.R.E.A.T. initiatives at the national, state, and local levels. An easy-to-use G.R.E.A.T. Pre/Post Questionnaire has been implemented to capture vital program performance information. For additional information or to insure your jurisdiction/agency's compliance, please contact the G.R.E.A.T. training coordinator at 1-800-726-7070 or via email at information@great-online.org.

    G.R.E.A.T. Grants--Programmatic Progress Reporting:
    A G.R.E.A.T. Data Collection Form must be completed and attached to every semiannual Progress Report. Click on G.R.E.A.T. Data Collection Form to access the blank form and instructions.

    G.R.E.A.T. Officer Training:
    The current list of G.R.E.A.T. Officer Training (GOT) courses is available at www.great-online.org/Program/TrainingSchedules.Aspx. To download an application to apply to attend a GOT, click .

    Other Information:
    Gang Resistance Education And Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program (FY 2008 Competitive Grant Announcement)

    FY 2008 G.R.E.A.T. Awards
    FY 2007 G.R.E.A.T. Awards
    FY 2006 G.R.E.A.T. Awards
    FY 2005 G.R.E.A.T. Awards
    FY 2004 G.R.E.A.T. Awards