Gang Resistance Education And Training, abbreviated G.R.E.A.T., provides a school-based, police officer instructed program that includes classroom instruction and various learning activities. Their intention is to teach the students to avoid gangs as well as drugs and alcohol. The program was originally administered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms of the US Department of the Treasury, however, when the ATF was transferred to the United States Department of Justice, it became administered by the Office of Justice Programs of the Bureau of Justice Assistance. History GREAT originated through a combined effort of the ATF and the Phoenix Police Department, Phoenix, Arizona. The effort was congressionally supported as part of the ATF's Project Outreach. The program originally began as a nine lesson middle-school curriculum. In early 1992, The first GREAT Officer Program was conducted in Phoenix, Arizona. In 1993, due to its perceived success, the program was expanded nationwide. Between 1993-98, the program added the Regional Partners, a National Policy Board as well as thousands of trained officers. In 2000, the program underwent a curriculum review, this being a result of a study conducted by the National Institute of Justice. This review enhanced the original program to 13 interactive, facilitation style lessons and reinforces the skills learned. The new curriculum was piloted in 14 cities nationwide. From 2006 to 2012, a multi-site program evaluation was conducted. Based on the results of the short- and long-term evaluation, the "program holds promise as a universal gang prevention program." Please look below, under the "Recent Program Evaluation" for further detail of the evaluation and results. The Goal To prevent youth crime, violence, and gang involvement while developing a positive relationship among law enforcement, families, and young people to create safer communities. The Curriculum Middle School Component: The G.R.E.A.T. middle school curriculum is a skills-based curriculum designed to produce knowledge and attitudinal and behavioral changes through the use of facilitative teaching, positive behavior rehearsal, cooperative and interactive learning techniques, and extended teacher activities. The curriculum has integrated National English Language Arts Standards and National Health Education Standards and is based on effective research practices. The G.R.E.A.T. middle school curriculum was designed for middle school entry-level students in 6th or 7th grade. Taught in the classroom by specially trained, uniformed law enforcement officers, G.R.E.A.T.'s violence prevention curriculum is a life-skills competency program designed to provide students with the skills they need to avoid gang