For Release: Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

CARBONDALE RECEIVES U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE GRANT

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) announced today that the City of Carbondale has received a $97,734 Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) grant through the U.S. Department of Justice.  The GREAT program is a life-skills competency program designed to provide students with the skills they need to avoid gang pressure and youth violence. 

The Carbondale Police department will train four officers as GREAT officers to teach the middle school curriculum to all 7th and 8th graders.  A summer program will also be implemented in conjunction with the Boys and Girls Club. 

"Informing kids about the consequences of poor choices is an important part of deterring future gang and criminal activity," said Costello, a former law enforcement official.  "This in turn improves the quality of life in our schools and our communities."

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