The Rhode Island Department of Health Tobacco Control Program (RITCP) is offering mini-grants of up to $4,000 to Rhode Island middle schools and high schools that would like to strengthen their existing smoke-free school policy and that are not currently utilizing an alternative to suspension or citation program.
Donor Name: Rhode Island Department of Health Tobacco Control Program (RITCP)
State: Rhode Island
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 10/31/2023
Size of the Grant: Up to $4,000
Details:
Preference will be given to applications that document a capacity to transition to a 100% tobacco-free campus, inclusive of all electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) products (e.g., e-cigarettes, vaping devices) as well as implement an alternative to suspension or citation program in response to student(s) in violation of the tobacco-free campus policies, within the mini-grant time frame.
These mini grants seek to help Rhode Island middle schools and high schools to transition from their existing smoke free school policy to the more comprehensive model policy, the Rhode Island Tobacco-Free Schools Campus Model Policy, which will help to decrease tobacco related disparities, and in doing so, increase positive behavior change among Rhode Island’s youth.
The purpose of this mini grant funding is to raise awareness of the positive public health perspective alternative to suspension programs have in the overall well-being of youth. Replacing punitive measures with educational opportunities will inform students on the facts surrounding nicotine dependence as well as create a more encouraging school atmosphere that will allow students to feel a greater connection to the school community rather than the sense of seclusion produced by suspension. Suspension can contribute to negative educational and mental health outcomes, and it increases the likelihood of youth tobacco use.
For more information, visit RITCP.
