Request for Applications (RFA) Youth Tobacco and Vaping Prevention Services

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) Office of Adult Health- Tobacco Control is soliciting applications to support a Statewide Youth Tobacco and Vaping Initiation Prevention Program. The program aims to prevent youth initiation, train youth to advocate, empower youth to act, and implement comprehensive model tobacco-free school policies. The selected awardee must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of tobacco prevention, cessation, and youth engagement. Key activities include recruiting and partnering with at least 24 schools, training youth leaders, designing and implementing interactive educational activities, and promoting community-wide tobacco prevention through education, outreach, and policy-focused strategies. • The program will target measurable changes in attitudes, knowledge, intentions, and behaviors among youth populations. • The program will prioritize sustainable practices within schools to develop programs that can be maintained, adapted, and sustained over time. • The program will engage youth and community partners, including stakeholders not traditionally involved in commercial tobacco prevention and control. • The program will equip youth with critical leadership and life skills, including problem-solving, action planning, teamwork, and effective communication. • The program will promote social norm change and result in action and policy-oriented activities that demonstrate youth impact on public health outcomes.