Against Tobacco College Initiative
The college initiative started from a need to reach 18-24 year old adults about the dangers of tobacco and the benefits of quitting its' use. We began by studying successful programs in other states: Tobacco Free U and ttac's college program; and building off of the success of our own teen tobacco initiative.
In May 2005, around 60 representatives from 13 colleges and universities received information on the program we were offering. Each college attending was able to apply for a $5,000 dollar grant to work on tobacco prevention education on their campus. All colleges receiving the grant had to develop campus coalitions involving students and faculty to work on tobacco prevention issues, and help fellow students to quit tobacco.
Each college has picked one or two students to represent the college on a Student Advisor Panel which meets monthly to discuss and or share what they are doing on their campus. Eventually we would like to have all the major colleges and universities in West Virginia working on this program.
In a few years we will see a decline in the use rates of 18-24 year old adults, especially among college students who are heavily targeted by the tobacco industry. We also have some early indication from our colleges that there very likely will be some ‘spill-over effect’ to those non-college 18–24 year olds who live near college campuses.
The Short of It All...
By using the successful template of Raze, West Virginia’s teen anti-tobacco movement, the "@" Against Tobacco program was established to provide an avenue for college students to continue speaking out against Big Tobacco.
Just like our teen predecessors, we encourage all college students to join. Whether you’re a user or a non-user- your time, mind and energy can help the "@" Against Tobacco program expose Big Tobacco’s lies.
Tobacco companies spend billions of advertising dollars every year targeting every generation. That’s why your voice is valuable, and can help us grow not only in number, but also in strength. Start making a difference now, and sign-up with @.