TUPE » Tobacco-Use Prevention Education (TUPE)

Tobacco-Use Prevention Education (TUPE)

TUPEPROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Tobacco-Use Prevention Education (TUPE) program is designed to prevent youth tobacco use by providing students with the knowledge and skills that enable them to be tobacco-free. The state-funded program provides tobacco and cannabis-specific, research-validated instruction, reinforcement activities and events, intervention, and cessation programs for students at select middle and high schools throughout the District. To learn more about TUPE California or to access resources, please visit www.tupeca.org
 
PROGRAM LEAD
Maya Rosas serves as the TUPE Grant Administrator for the Beyond the Bell Branch. She is an educational leader with over 25 years of experience who has served in various roles, including teacher, school-based coordinator, and an Elementary School Principal. As a proud Angelino and product of the LAUSD, Maya is committed to the well-being of the students she services and strongly believes that when children are nurtured, challenged, and provided adequate opportunities, they will rise above their circumstances and potential.

 

STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT

Pillar 2: Joy and Wellness: Whole-Child Well-Being

The TUPE Grant fosters Whole-Child Well-Being in the following ways: 

  • Provides a holistic education on the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of well-being;
  • Educates students about the dangers of tobacco use, empowering them to make informed decisions for their health;
  • Integrates tobacco and cannabis prevention education with SEL curriculum, teaching decision-making and peer resistance skills.
  • Ensures all students have access to resources and support for their well-being, fostering an inclusive environment;
  • Contributes to students' long-term health by preventing tobacco and cannabis use and its associated health risks;
  • Empowers students to advocate for their health and well-being, promoting a sense of agency;
  • Involves teachers, parents, and the community in tobacco prevention efforts and fosters a culture of wellness.

Pillar 2: Joy and Wellness: Strong Social-Emotional Skills  

  • Engages youth in leadership roles through AFHC Club and Peer Educators, boosting confidence and self-esteem;
  • Promotes teamwork and cooperation among peers through group activities and discussions;
  • Empowers youth to make positive changes in their communities, fostering a sense of agency and civic engagement;
  • Promotes understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives, enhancing empathy and social awareness.

 

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EVENTS

Student members of Advocates for Healthy Choices (AFHC) Club and Peer Educators plan and conduct campus-wide campaign events to educate their peers and the school community on the health risks associated with smoking and vaping tobacco and cannabis.
 
The following are the campaign events that take place throughout the year:
  • Red Ribbon Week (October)
  • The Great American Smokeout/Escape the Vape (November)
  • Save a Sweetheart/Healthy Hearts (February)
  • Take Down Tobacco/Kick Butt’s Day (March)
  • Earth Day (April)
  • World No Tobacco Day (May)
 
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OUR TEAM

Maya Rosas, TUPE Grant Administrator
Ana Bonilla, Program Coordinator
Betty Cruz, Teacher Advisor
Valerie Lopez, Senior Office Technician
 

RESOURCES

Intervention and Cessation
Tobacco Cessation and Quit Resources Kick It California
 
Advocates for Healthy Choices (AFHC)
AFHC club members in grades 6 - 12 organize and conduct campaign events to spread information about the dangers of smoking and vaping and adopting healthy alternatives to smoking and vaping. The events take place throughout the year and usually align with a national event to reduce youth use of tobacco.

 

TUPE Peer Educators
Students in grades 6 - 12 receive training as tobacco prevention peer educators. These students develop and facilitate presentations for their peers at their school sites.
 
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