Second Chance

Second Chance is Colorado's recommended educational alternative to suspension for students who violate school tobacco and nicotine policies. The program is owned by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and is provided at no cost to Colorado schools and organizations.

Rather than relying solely on punitive discipline, Second Chance gives students the opportunity to learn about nicotine and tobacco, reflect on their choices, and build healthy coping skills. The goal is to keep students connected to learning while supporting healthier decision-making.

The program is available in English and Spanish and can be completed online in approximately 90–120 minutes, making it easy for schools to implement.

Why Schools Choose Second Chance

Students benefit from:

• Increased knowledge about nicotine and tobacco

• Reflection on personal choices

• Healthy coping strategies

• Connections to quitting resources

Schools benefit from: 

• A consistent response to tobacco and nicotine policy infractions

• Reduced instructional time lost to suspension

• Easy online implementation

• State-support implementation

Restorative Discipline Resources

Explore these resources to learn more about restorative approaches to tobacco and nicotine policy infractions and see how Second Chance fits within a comprehensive, supportive discipline framework. 

• The Restorative Approach to Discipline: Learn how restorative, non-punitive responses to tobacco and nicotine infractions promote accountability, reflection, and student success. Includes evidence-based strategies and resources for implementing supportive alternatives to suspension, including Second Chance. 

• Tobacco and Nicotine Infraction Tiered Discipline Toolkit: A practical guide for implementing restorative responses to tobacco and nicotine infractions. Includes planning worksheets, reflection guides, meeting templates, and other tools to support staff, students, and families. 

Learn More

To learn more about Second Chance:

• Visit the Second Chance website.

To help bring Second Chance to the schools you serve:

• Explore the Second Chance Promotional Toolkit.

• Request a technical assistance (TA) appointment with an AFHK team member to discuss outreach and implementation strategies.

Second Chance was developed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's State Tobacco Education and Prevention Partnership.