State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Arntzen Awards 14 Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program Grants
HELENA – Superintendent Arntzen has awarded 14 Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program Grants to Montana school schools totaling $117,025. The Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program provides funds to the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) to provide grants to Montana schools for implementing strategies to reduce youth tobacco use. Grant recipients will be awarded up to $10,000 per school or up to $20,000 per school district to support student tobacco use prevention strategies. Applications were scored according to:
- School/District Need - Based on 2021 and 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data, student discipline referrals around tobacco use, and application narrative.
- Inclusion of Restorative Discipline Practices
- Prospect of Success- Based on well-thought-out procedures and ease of implementation.
- Sustainability - District intent to continue and/or adapt to improve its tobacco use prevention program beyond initial funding.
- Alternatives to Suspension- Out of School Suspension will not be utilized for a primary tobacco/vaping-related disciplinary action.
“This grant focuses on building a healthier future for our children by reducing tobacco and vaping use,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “I have always emphasized the overall well-being of all Montana students. I appreciate the partnership between my office and these school districts in lowering nicotine use.”
The 14 schools that received grants are:
- Billings Public Schools - $6,525
- Missoula County Public Schools Elementary District - $20,000
- Missoula County Public Schools High School District - $20,000
- Shepherd School District - $10,000
- Regis School District - $5,000
- Kalispell Middle School - $10,000
- Hardin Public Schools - $10,000
- Lockwood School District - $5,000
- Beaverhead County High School - $4,000
- Forsyth Public Schools - $3,000
- Fairfield Schools - $5,000
- Corvallis School District - $10,000
- East Glacier Elementary District - $3,500
- Fromberg School District - $5,000
###