How It All Started
I'm Nicotine Free was founded in 2019 by Dr. Rebecca Williams, a public health researcher at the University of Colorado, after she witnessed the explosive rise of vaping among teenagers in Colorado Springs and across the nation. What began as a small pilot program at three local high schools quickly grew into a statewide initiative when its results — a 68% cessation success rate within the first year — attracted national attention.
Dr. Williams recognized that traditional anti-smoking campaigns were failing because they treated nicotine addiction as a moral failing rather than a health challenge. She developed the "School First" methodology, which integrates cessation support directly into the school environment — making it accessible, confidential, and free of stigma. Instead of punishing students who are caught with e-cigarettes, the School First approach redirects them toward evidence-based support programs led by trained peers and counselors.
By 2021, the program had expanded to 12 states. School districts began requesting customized implementation packages, and the Educator Training Certification was launched to meet the growing demand. Today, I'm Nicotine Free operates in 48 states and has helped more than 50,000 students take their first step toward a nicotine-free life.
Our Mission
At I'm Nicotine Free, our mission is simple: to empower young people with the knowledge, support, and resources they need to break free from nicotine addiction and build healthier futures. We believe that education is the most powerful tool in the fight against nicotine dependence, and that schools are the ideal environment to deliver that education effectively.
Our programs are built on four pillars: science-backed curricula developed in collaboration with leading health researchers; peer-led support groups that create accountability and community; family engagement strategies that extend the impact beyond the classroom; and continuous improvement through data collection and outcome tracking.
We are committed to ensuring that no student is left behind. Through scholarships, grant assistance, and our free online resources, we work to remove financial and logistical barriers that might prevent a student or school from accessing our programs. Every young person deserves the chance to live healthy and free from addiction, regardless of their zip code or socioeconomic background.
Making a Measurable Difference
Since 2019, our data-driven approach has produced results that speak for themselves.
Meet the People Behind the Mission
Our team combines decades of experience in public health, education, counseling, and community organizing.
Dr. Rebecca Williams
Public health researcher with 15+ years of experience in tobacco cessation and adolescent health. Former faculty member at the University of Colorado School of Public Health.
Michael Chen
Former high school principal and licensed counselor. Michael oversees curriculum development and ensures every program is tailored to the unique needs of each school community.
Sarah Johnson
With a background in nonprofit management and volunteer coordination, Sarah builds partnerships with schools, community centers, and health organizations across the country.
What Drives Us Every Day
🎓 Education First
We believe that knowledge empowers change. Every program we create is rooted in the latest research and designed to educate, not shame or punish.
🤝 Compassion & Empathy
Nicotine addiction is a health challenge, not a character flaw. We approach every participant with understanding, patience, and unwavering support.
📊 Data-Driven Action
We track outcomes, measure success, and continuously improve. Every decision we make is informed by real data from real participants in real schools.