On Feb. 15, 2024, the California Endowment welcomed 227 attendees from 16 districts to the annual TUPE (Tobacco-Use Prevention Education) Youth Advocacy and Leadership Conference (YALC), funded by the Tier 2 Grant. This year’s theme, TUPE Flex: Bring Your Shine, brought students from across Los Angeles County together to engage in candid conversations about challenges facing teens today and learn to advocate for themselves and their peers.

Organized by the Los Angeles County Office of Education, the conference provided students with an opportunity to participate in various educational workshops to increase their knowledge and skills related to current issues of youth tobacco/vape use. It served as a platform for networking with other young people in LA County interested in advocating for youth wellness and tobacco-free schools.

The conference featured a series of breakout sessions tailored to address the diverse needs and interests of attendees, and keynote sessions, including:  

• "Unleash Your Potential, Clear the Clouds" Keynote Address: Ray Lozano provided insights into safeguarding and nurturing young talents while demystifying the world of youth e-cigarette use.

• "Use Digital for Good": Presented by #ICANHELP, this workshop equipped attendees with strategies to combat cyberbullying, promote digital wellness, and navigate social media challenges positively.

• "Ghosted: Theatrical Production": This powerful production depicted the struggles of high school students coping with stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues, reminding attendees that they are not alone in their challenges.

In addition to these sessions, attendees participated in a variety of workshops covering leadership, skill-building, LGBTQIA+ issues and civic engagement. These sessions provided valuable insights and practical solutions to empower youth to make a positive impact in their communities.

To learn more, visit the TUPE page here: https://www.lacoe.edu/services/curriculum-instruction/health-physical-education/tupe