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.) last week.

“I congratulate Tacony Charter Academy’s G.R.E.A.T. graduates and wish you the best as you apply your newly developed skills,” said DeGree. “This program has strengthened our community for more than three decades, 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 how they learned how to be kind for each other, help others when they need help, and why to be grateful.

Another student said, “This program is GREAT, it lives up to its name!” They added that they learned “how to respect others, calming down when your mad, telling a trusted adult when someone is bullying, using body language and communication, including others when you are playing, making good decisions, not being a bystander, not including yourself in violence, and helping others.”

“Every class you learn something new,” said G.R.E.A.T. instructor and ATF Special Agent Daniel Leskowicz. “This class really asked important questions about everyone’s role in the community.”

“I think the G.R.E.A.T. program is awesome!” said their teacher, Leah Jones. “It teaches students to be good citizens and leaders who can make positive choices and show kindness to others. My students and I really enjoyed the meaningful lessons!”

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 www.atf.gov/resource-center/fact-sheet/gang-resistance-education-and-training-great-program.