A group of Santa Clara County teens is working to help their peers prevent or kick addictive nicotine habits through the Santa Clara County Office of Education’s Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE) program.

While tobacco use in Santa Clara County is declining, youth still report using flavored tobacco products through vape products, according to the Santa Clara County Public Health Department. One in 10 Santa Clara County youth use some type of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes (vapes, pens, etc.). To reduce tobacco use among adolescents, the TUPE program focuses on helping students make healthy decisions through tobacco-specific educational instruction and activities on school campuses. The program’s Peer Advocate Advisory Council (PAAC) educates students on the dangers of tobacco, empowering them to share their knowledge with their classmates. The PAAC shares resources that debunk tobacco myths and supports youth in their decision to end nicotine and/or substance use. 

In addition, TUPE site coordinators work directly with schools and students to reduce tobacco use and uplift the next generation of tobacco-free advocates. The PAAC played a significant role in reforming county policy to ban the selling or distributing of e-cigarette devices and associated products. The recent California Flavored Tobacco Law, Senate Bill 793, coupled with local municipal law helps prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products and discourages use among groups toward whom flavored tobacco products are heavily marketed. 

“The PAAC has worked hard to help their peers make healthy choices with lifelong impacts,” said County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mary Ann Dewan. “I deeply appreciate their work for current and future young people.” 

The PAAC youth coordinated and hosted their first youth resource fair in early February for all high school students to familiarize themselves with important causes throughout the county and receive advice from college students about issues young people face. The inaugural event saw nearly 50 attendees and included 17 community partners working with and for youth. 

“Being involved in the process of planning the event and connecting with youth-based organizations around the county was extremely rewarding, and such an insightful experience for us all,” said PAAC member Ava, a junior from Evergreen Valley High School. “We are thrilled to start a tradition of providing youth with free resources and creating a memorable learning experience.”

Since PAAC’s inception in 2020, members have dedicated themselves to becoming leaders in their community. They continue to speak at city council meetings, write op-eds and letters to the editor, lead county-wide public service announcement art contests, and speak at youth conferences in the Bay Area. 

“Joining the PAAC has given me and the other members the opportunity to work on exciting leadership projects such as the Resource Fair, conference presentations, and more,” Anagha, a junior from Wilcox High School. “It’s definitely an amazing option for students who are looking to go into public health, leadership, or tobacco prevention!”

As the work for tobacco and drug-free communities continues, advocates are always needed. PAAC is open to Santa Clara County students in grades 9-12. Applications open in the spring. Please contact Natalie Andrade if you are interested in applying by sending an email to nandrade@sccoe.org or by visiting the TUPE we​bpage​.