Second Chance
A Supportive Alternative to Suspension
Second Chance is a web-based, interactive, self-directed program designed to be used as an educational alternative to suspension for tobacco and nicotine policy infractions. The program is also appropriate for youth who would benefit from additional education about tobacco and nicotine products.
Second Chance helps schools and youth-serving organizations respond to student behavior in a supportive, restorative, and educational way while keeping students connected to learning and school communities.
Schools and organizations use Second Chance to provide a consistent, restorative response that prioritizes student learning, accountability, and support over exclusionary discipline.
Second Chance at a Glance
- Alternative-to-suspension program for tobacco and nicotine policy infractions
- Designed for middle and high school students
- Web-based and self-paced
- Approximately 90-120 minutes total to complete
- Available in English and Spanish
- Supportive, restorative approach that keeps students connected to learning
- Free to Colorado schools and youth-serving organizations
Who Uses Second Chance?
Who Uses Second Chance?Second Chance is designed for:
- Middle and high schools
- School districts
- Alternative education settings
- Youth-serving organizations
- Juvenile justice and diversion programs
The program is most commonly used as a supportive response to first-time or early tobacco and nicotine policy infractions.
Outcomes for Youth
Outcomes for Youth- Builds understanding of how tobacco and nicotine affect the brain, body, and mental health.
- Increases awareness of how marketing, media, and social influences shape tobacco and nicotine use.
- Strengthens skills to manage stress, make healthy choices, and resist peer pressure.
- Promotes understanding of tobacco-free school policies and state and federal laws.
- Encourages reflection, goal-setting, and connection to resources for quitting or reducing tobacco and nicotine use.
Outcomes for Administrators
Outcomes for Administrators- Provides an educational alternative to suspension that holds students accountable while supporting their growth.
- Delivers health education aligned with Colorado Health Education Standards.
- Supports behavior change by addressing root causes and connecting students to resources.
- Creates opportunities to strengthen relationships with students.
- Simple enrollment, real-time tracking, and student self-paced learning reduce staff workload and save time.
Why Choose an Alternative-to-Suspension Approach?
Traditional exclusionary discipline practices, such as suspension and expulsion, have been associated with:
- Increased student misconduct
- Lower academic achievement
- Higher dropout rates
- Negative impacts on school climate
- Increased involvement with the juvenile justice system
Research increasingly supports restorative and educational approaches that:
- Improve student engagement and connectedness
- Reduce repeat misconduct
- Strengthen relationships between students and staff
- Reduce suspensions and disciplinary disparities
- Support healthier school climates
Second Chance supports schools and organizations in implementing restorative, educational responses that keep students connected to learning while promoting healthier choices.
Second Chance Content
The program includes four modules, along with pre- and post-surveys, reflection questions, and knowledge checks throughout the experience.
Program Modules
- Tobacco and Nicotine Basics
- Policies and Laws
- Influences on Use
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
An accompanying facilitator guide provides guidance for administering the program and conducting a brief follow-up discussion after completion.
Program Features
- Administrator onboarding training and implementation support resources
- Administrator dashboard with real-time student progress tracking
- Simple student enrollment and self-paced learning experience
- Interactive modules with reflection questions and knowledge checks
- Pre- and post-surveys to support program evaluation
- Facilitator guide with implementation and follow-up discussion guidance
- Automated reminders and completion tracking
- Mobile-friendly design with accessibility supports, including audio options and screen-reader compatibility
- Resources and materials to support school and district implementation
Get Started
For Colorado Schools and Organizations
Second Chance was developed with funding from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s State Tobacco Education and Prevention Partnership (STEPP) and is available at no cost to schools and youth-serving organizations in Colorado.
For Schools and Organizations Outside of Colorado
Second Chance is available through an annual subscription for schools and organizations outside of Colorado.
Ready to Learn More?
- Visit the program website: Second Chance Tobacco
- Access the Second Chance promotional toolkit
- Contact the Second Chance team at [email protected]
Stay Connected
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Second Chance was developed with funding from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s State Tobacco Education and Prevention Partnership (STEPP). Amendment 35 voter-approved tobacco tax funds were used to finance program development.