Program History: From Pilot to Statewide Resource
The Second Chance (SC) program began in 2007 as a paper-and-pencil resource developed by RMC Health with funding from CDPHE’s State Tobacco Education and Prevention Partnership (STEPP). Designed as a free alternative-to-suspension tool, SC supported Tobacco-Free Schools policies and quickly became a trusted resource for schools and youth-serving organizations across Colorado.
In 2009, SC went online, offering interactive, student-facing modules for middle and high school students facing tobacco policy infractions. While not a cessation program, SC played an important role in prevention and early intervention. Over the years, the program has evolved with:
- Updated content based on Colorado-specific data
- New modules reflecting the rise of e-cigarettes and nicotine products
- Stronger alignment with school wellness policies and public health goals
In 2025, with funding from Proposition EE, SC received its most significant update yet including:
- A fully redesigned platform and visual identity
- Mobile-responsive experience and updated tech
- A complete Spanish version
- More resources for educators, parents, and students
Second Chance continues to be a trusted resource helping schools move from punishment to prevention.
Program Outcomes
Changing behavior. Strengthening connections. Supporting real growth.
Second Chance helps youth understand the risks of nicotine, develop healthy coping skills, and make positive choices, while giving administrators a practical, evidence-based tool that supports student success.
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
- 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.
Alignment with Colorado Comprehensive Health Academic Standards
Second Chance was created to align with the Colorado Comprehensive Health Academic Standards and to ensure students build the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy, informed decisions.
The program supports instruction in the following standards:
Standard 2: Physical and Personal Wellness 2.3
Apply knowledge and skills related to health promotion, disease prevention, and health maintenance.
Standard 3: Social and Emotional Wellness 3.4
Utilize knowledge and skills to enhance mental, emotional, and social well-being.
Standard 4: Prevention and Risk Management 4.5
Apply knowledge and skills to make health- enhancing decisions regarding the use of marijuana, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.
Second Chance Program Agreement
When a new school or organization registers for the Second Chance program, an authorized administrator must digitally sign the School/Organization Agreement during the online registration process.
We’ve included a PDF copy of the agreement here for review purposes, in case additional staff or leadership need to review it before registration.
Please note: agreements must be signed through the online administrator registration process. We are unable to accept agreements signed or submitted by any other method. This document is only available in English.
In State of Colorado Out of State of Colorado
Promoting the Second Chance Program
To support awareness and understanding of the Second Chance program, a Promotional Toolkit is available.
This toolkit includes ready-to-use parent and caregiver resources, sample social media posts and email language, a Second Chance flyer and infographic, and other customizable materials. Together, these resources help districts and schools clearly communicate the purpose, benefits, and impact of Second Chance for students, schools, and families.