Watch CBS News

Oakland Grade-Schoolers Graduate From Anti-Gang Program

OAKLAND (BCN) - More than 100 Oakland fifth-graders will graduate from a gang prevention program Friday, the Oakland Unified School District said.

Members of the four classes, two from Community United Elementary and two from Futures Elementary, participating in the ceremony completed a six-week course called Gang Resistance Education and Training, or the GREAT Program.

The classes were taught by law enforcement officers and included discussions about anger management, communication skills, and being a good citizen.

The national program is meant to prevent youth violence and delinquency, particularly gang participation, the school district said.

It has partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the national Association of Police Leagues.

Friday's graduation ceremony was to begin at 1:30 p.m. at the schools' Lockwood campus, located at 6701 International Blvd.

(© 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Bay City News contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.