The purpose of the Tobacco-Use Prevention Education (TUPE) program is to reduce youth tobacco use by helping young people make healthful tobacco-related decisions through tobacco-specific educational instruction and activities that build knowledge as well as social skills and youth development assets. Collaboration with community-based tobacco control programs is an integral part of program planning. The school, parents, and the larger community must be involved in the program so that students will be aware of a cohesive effort and concern for their health and consequently, their ability to succeed in school.

Riverside County Office of Education receives TUPE funding to support its efforts to provide technical assistance and leadership to school districts within the county. Training and services include:

• Provide technical assistance and support to districts writing TUPE grants for grades 6-12.
• Offer workshops for students and staff in tobacco prevention and advocacy, aiming to encourage participation in schools and community prevention efforts.
• Research science-based tobacco prevention curricula and offer training in select programs.
• Provide certification of district compliance with tobacco-free requirements.

TUPE Resources

• TUPE
• Tobacco Cessation – Riverside County Department of Public Health
• California Smoker's Helpline: Free services for teens and adults, including self-help materials and one-on-one counseling.1-800-662-8887 1-800-No-BUTTS – English 1-800-NO-FUME – Spanish 1-844-8-NO-VAPE.