Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program Evaluation and Outcomes Study for El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Costa Rica

The purpose of this project is to evaluate the methods, outcomes, and effectiveness of the G.R.E.A.T. Program through scientifically validated data sources and studies conducted with kids who have completed the course curriculum since 2010 and their teachers, school principals, and parents. The evaluation will measure effectiveness of El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Costa Rica’s progress toward achieving the GREAT programs objectives among at risk youth. The targeted population is 170,767 at risk youth in El Salvador, 487,890 in Honduras, 150,000 in Panama, and 45,685 in Costa Rica; that have completed the program since 2010. The in-depth outcomes evaluation will determine changes in levels of gang affiliation, levels of violence perpetration, attitude toward the police, and perception of police in their communities, among these graduates and in comparison with students who have not been exposed to G.R.E.A.T.

In order to better understand to what extent and how results were achieved, the implementer’s research team will conduct an analysis of the most relevant factors contributing to results, challenges hindering impact, and any unintended outcomes (if applicable). INL seeks to understand the effectiveness of the G.R.E.A.T. program to share the full results and best practices with relevant host nation and implementing partner counterparts, as well as limited information publicly. This study will provide relevant information for police in the target countries to tailor their approaches to at-risk youth and countering gang violence.

INL in coordination with the El Salvador Civilian Police (PNC), the Honduras National Police (HNP), the Panama National Police (PNP), and the Public Force of Costa Rica (FPCR) will provide a database of the public schools in the targeted countries that have participated in the G.R.E.A.T. program. In addition, INL and the G.R.E.A.T. program implementer will provide a data base of the more than 2,300 certified officers in El Salvador including their specific geographic area/designated police delegation/sub-delegation, or post; and a database of the families of the kids that have participated in the G.R.E.A.T. program.

Priority Region/Countries: El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Costa Rica