WASHINGTON, D. C. — U.S. Senator Richard C. Shelby (R-Ala) announced today that the U.S. Department of Justice will be releasing $42,096 to Jefferson County for the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program.

The 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 curriculum helps students develop values and practice behaviors that will help to avoid destructive activities. The program will train law enforcement officers to administer the curriculum to students.

Sen. Shelby said, “I am pleased to announce funding for this program that will assist the important work being done by Jefferson County and the G.R.E.A.T. program. These funds will provide opportunities for law enforcement to create a comprehensive plan to prevent juvenile delinquency through education and encouragement.”

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