Tobacco-Free Community Colleges and Trade Schools

Benefits of Tobacco-Free Campuses

Protect College Students from Secondhand Smoke Exposure

Smoke-free learning spaces are critical to ensure people are protected from involuntary exposure to secondhand smoke. We all deserve the right to breathe clean air where we learn and work.

Take Action and Sign the Petition Today!

The faces behind smoke and tobacco-free college efforts at West Hills Community College District.

JACQUELINE ROCHA

West Hills College
Coalinga

NOAH
RICHMOND

West Hills College
Coalinga

CHRISTINE GOMEZ

West Hills College
Lemoore

UFORO
OFFIONG

West Hills College
Coalinga

JULISSA HERNANDEZ

West Hills College
Coalinga

ALMA
RANGEL

West Hills College
Firebaugh

Youth Advocacy  |  Data Collection  |  Stakeholder Interviews  |  Establish Advisory Group  |  Leadership  |  Letters to the Editors  |  Media Coverage

1 Million People

Of the roughly 20 million college and university students in the United States, more than 1 million are projected to die prematurely from cigarette smoking. In order to counter the effects of tobacco and secondhand smoke on college age students, we support 100% smoke-free/tobacco-free colleges
and campuses.

90% By Age 18

While approximately 90% of smokers start by age 18, studies show that 99% of smokers will start by age 26, which makes smoke-free/tobacco-free colleges and campuses extremely important.
The tobacco industry is fully aware of this age-group’s vulnerability to start smoking and they aggressively market to young adults, particularly through flavored tobacco products. 

23.6% of adults

A 2016-2017 study from the California Department of Public Health (link to pdf on resource page) shows that 23.6% of adults under the age of 20 use tobacco products.

59% of campuses

In California, 59% of college campuses are 100% smoke or tobacco-free.  Moreover, many colleges are now becoming “tobacco-free” rather than simply “smoke-free” to prevent the use of smokeless tobacco products on campus. Additionally, colleges are updating their policy definitions of “smoking” to include the use of e-cigarettes.

We must take a stand and lift-up the young adults in our neighborhoods by supporting more effective tobacco prevention, cessation efforts, and eliminating secondhand smoke exposure in learning environments.

We look forward to working with Mariposa, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties to ensure our community colleges and trade schools pass 100% smoke-free policies so those on campuses can breathe clean air.

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