As you prepare for the upcoming school year, educators are invited to explore the wide range of free, evidence-based curricula and resources developed by the Stanford Halpern-Felsher REACH Lab. The lab’s mission is to empower adolescents and young adults to make healthier choices through rigorous research, practical education tools, and advocacy focused on substance use prevention, harm reduction, and risk decision-making.
Featured Curricula and Resources
All materials align with National Health Education Standards, are designed to fit within 35–40 minute class periods, and include engaging activities to support student learning.
- Aware & Prepare — 2-lesson fentanyl and opioid awareness and prevention curriculum (compliant with California AB 2429 and other state mandates).
- Not So Sweet — 2 lessons on preventing smokeless tobacco and oral nicotine pouch use (e.g., Zyn).
- Smart Talk — Cannabis awareness and prevention curriculum tailored for New York educators.
- You and Me, Together Vape-Free — Updated with new Elementary and High School versions for Hawai‘i.
- Safety First — Comprehensive 13-lesson curriculum on alcohol, opioids/fentanyl, psychedelics, and other drugs; now includes Spanish-translated lessons.
Additional resources include new videos, infographics, posters, and ready-to-use campaign kits. These kits provide schools and communities with a complete 5-day plan, featuring posters, stickers, morning announcements, public service announcements, social media content, and student lessons.
The REACH Lab also offers free professional trainings on implementing these curricula. Educators can access a real-time Curriculum Data Dashboard to view anonymous student survey responses and evaluate program impact.
Project CLEAR Study – Now Recruiting Schools
The Stanford REACH Lab is currently conducting Project CLEAR, a new randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of the Smart Talk: Cannabis Prevention & Awareness Curriculum for grades 6–12.
With the 2026–27 school year approaching, schools interested in participating are encouraged to express interest. Two upcoming informational webinars will provide details about the study and offer an opportunity to ask questions directly to the study’s Principal Investigator and Founder/Director of the Stanford REACH Lab, Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher:
Schools ready to participate in the 2026–27 school year should send a letter of participation on school letterhead.
Upcoming and In-Development Resources
- Kratom Curriculum
- Substance Use and Driving Lessons
- Substance Use and Athlete Lessons
- Parent Toolkit
- Sexual Health and Substance Use
- Alcohol Healthy Futures (Alternative-to-Suspension program)
- Peer-to-Peer initiatives
- And more
Professional Development Opportunities
Registration is open for the 7th Annual Teaching Cannabis (and Other Drugs) Awareness & Prevention Conference. Registered participants can access 74 recorded workshops and a wealth of additional resources.
Save the Date: The 8th Annual Conference will take place on April 14–15, 2027.
Learn More and Get Involved
All resources are completely free and available for immediate download and use in schools, clinics, and community settings. Visit the Stanford Halpern-Felsher REACH Lab website to explore the full library of toolkits, prevention curricula, and intervention programs.