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Ramsey Youth Advocates: A group of student advocates from Ramsey County, Minnesota, were honored with the 2025 Group Youth Advocates of the Year award by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids in Washington, D.C. The Ramsey County Student Action Team was recognized for their successful efforts to protect youth from commercial tobacco by pushing for stronger local regulations. Working with the Association of Nonsmokers – Minnesota, these students have advocated for policies such as restricting the sale of flavored vapes, reducing the number of tobacco retailers, and increasing penalties for illegal tobacco sales, creating a positive impact on their local communities and beyond.

Dakota Vape Waste Team: In Dakota County, high school students formed the Vape Waste Team to address the dual issues of youth vaping and environmental pollution from vape waste. As part of the Tobacco-Free Alliance, this team organized three successful vape disposal events at local high schools, collecting 214 devices. They created a safe, non-judgmental space for students to turn in their vapes while raising awareness about the toxic chemicals in these products. The students planned all aspects of the events, from promotion through eye-catching posters and social media to evaluating the project's impact, demonstrating how youth-led initiatives can create meaningful change.

Students from Northfield's RAVE (Reduction and Awareness of Vaping and E-cigarette Use) Initiative, met with the Rice County Board of Commissioners to share personal stories and educate local leaders on the harms of commercial tobacco use in their community. Following the testimony of more than a dozen people, Rice County Commissioners voted unanimously to end the sale of all flavored and menthol commercial tobacco products, end the use of coupons and price promotions, and raise the minimum clerk age to 18.

YOLO is a group of high school students in Steele County dedicated to promoting mental health and preventing e-cigarette use. They advocate for raising awareness about the impact of e-cigarettes on youth mental health and work to support prevention and cessation efforts.

ANSR is working with 12 high school students at Washington Technology Magnet School in partnership with the Health Educator at the Community Cares - Health Start Program to build and maintain "Wash Tech Escapes the Vape", a group of HS students that focuses on building youth leaders to support youth e-cigarette prevention and cessation efforts. The group focuses on education and advocacy to peers and decision-makers through opportunities and activities.