Grant targets gang prevention

The Chico State Research Foundation is the recipient of a $500,000 state grant aimed at aiding at-risk youth.

According to the Employment Development Department and the Governor’s Office of Gang and Youth Violence Policy, which awarded 10 grants totaling $4.8 million for programs in eight counties, the goal is to combat the proliferation of gangs in suburban and rural regions in the state through intervention, suppression and prevention.

The awards are part of the California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention Initiative (CalGRIP) and will be used for expanding education, job training and placement.

Chico State’s Research Foundation is the northernmost recipient of the funding. The next nearest is the Sacramento Police Department ($500,000).