SACRAMENTO – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell today announced he is awarding $9.98 million in Tobacco-Use Prevention Education (TUPE) funds to 42 local education agencies serving grades nine through twelve throughout California.* For the list of grantees, please visit Funding Results: Tobacco-Use Prevention: Grades Nine Through Twelve.

"Research shows when children abuse tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs, there is an accompanying rise in violence at school and in the community and a decline in student success," said O’Connell. "The education agencies receiving these grants have proposed anti-tobacco use programs that are exemplary and well planned. The applicants formed good partnerships with community groups and parents to boost their program’s effectiveness in helping students stay healthy and fit in a safe and tobacco-free school environment."

The TUPE program provides funding to local education agencies for tobacco-specific student instruction, reinforcement activities, special events, and intervention and cessation programs. Programs in grades nine through twelve are funded through a competitive process.  Funding for TUPE comes from Proposition 99, approved by the California voters in 1988 that increased by 25 cents the tax on each pack of cigarettes sold in the state. The annual Budget Act appropriates funds from the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Surtax Fund for several purposes, including tobacco-use prevention education in schools. 

Of the 68 local education agencies that applied for TUPE funds serving grades nine through twelve, the 42 grantees were selected through a rigorous review process.  O’Connell selected them based on their need; tobacco-use prevention strategies; proposed plan to use the funds; staffing; parent, school and community partnerships; evaluation plan; and proposed budget.

For more information about TUPE, please visit Past Funding Profile (ID 887): Tobacco-Use Prevention: Grades Nine Through Twelve.

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* O'Connell presents check to Sacramento City Unified School District.