“Our children need the support of parents, law enforcement, and their communities to resist gangs and the temptation to choose the wrong path early on in life,” said Stabenow. “This program brings together a diverse coalition of community leaders and the proper resources necessary to provide resources and opportunities for students in high-crime neighborhoods and keep them on the right track.”

“Keeping Michigan’s children away from the scourge of gangs is a very important goal,” said Levin. “I am hopeful that this program will help local law enforcement officials teach students how to effectively steer clear of this destructive path.”

The primary goal of the G.R.E.A.T. program is to provide a life-skills competency program in which students will be able to develop values and practice behaviors that will help them to avoid destructive activities. G.R.E.A.T. trains law enforcement officers at the state and local level to administer instructive classes to school-aged children. The G.R.E.A.T. program also coordinates with community and civic groups to help with the development and execution of the program.