Philadelphia Students Graduate from ATF Gang Resistance Education and Training Program
PHILADELPHIA — Special Agent in Charge Eric DeGree of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Philadelphia Field Division announced the graduation of 27 Tacony Charter Academy fifth graders from Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) this week.
ATF Special Agent shakes the hand of a student to congratulate them for graduating from the G.R.E.A.T. program. with the G.R.E.A.T. Gang Resistance Education and Training logo and underneath reads "Congratulations Mr. Kealey's 5th grade Tacony Charter Elementary School Class! G.R.E.A.T. Graduation." ATF Philadelphia
“I congratulate the G.R.E.A.T. graduates and wish you the best as you apply your newly developed skills,” said DeGree. “For more than three decades G.R.E.A.T. has strengthened our community by providing our students essential life skills and the opportunity to meet and engage with our law enforcement officers in a learning environment.”
The G.R.E.A.T. youth and community outreach program was launched in 1991 to proactively combat violent crime. It uses community-oriented policing tactics and community outreach to change perceptions about law enforcement, one student at a time. In Philadelphia, G.R.E.A.T. program instructors have focused on helping eliminate delinquency, youth violence and gang membership.
One of the students noted that “Be a GREAT person, even if people aren’t being GREAT to you.” Another student said, “You taught us a lot, especially about the effects of bullying.”
“The students continue to teach me how valuable a positive role model is in their lives,” said G.R.E.A.T. instructor and ATF Special Agent Daniel Leskowicz.
“Officer Dan was a welcomed change of routine for my homeroom”, said their teacher, Connor Kealey. “Students were engaged and excited to learn and hear from him. I think the students truly have a better idea of what law enforcement is responsible for and have a better outlook on law enforcement's role in the community.”
“We are very grateful for Officer Dan and the bureau for the brave work they do to keep our community and young people safe,” Kealey added.
The G.R.E.A.T. curriculum includes violence prevention, conflict resolution techniques, decision-making, goal setting and problem-solving. The elementary school curriculum is a six-week interactive session for fourth and fifth graders with an emphasis on family involvement. Students are taught how to set goals, resist peer pressure, respect differences, resolve conflicts and understand how gangs can negatively impact their quality of life. They also learn the importance of becoming responsible members of their communities.
Information on the G.R.E.A.T. program, its mission and impact on communities is online at http://www.atf.gov/resource-center/fact-sheet/fact-sheet-gang-resistance-education-and-training-great-program .
