SPARK: Tobacco-Free Colleges & Universities
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Spark, a Wisconsin-wide, state-supported program, helps college campuses pass tobacco-free policies and educate campus communities that tobacco in all its forms is a threat. Spark offers young adults a platform and an opportunity to be an advocate on their campus.
Currently, all Wisconsin campus buildings are included in the statewide smoke-free air law that requires indoor public places must be smoke-free. Spark advocates for 100% comprehensive tobacco-free policies for all campus premises, including all outdoor areas.
Check out more about Spark and tobacco-free campuses:
As of 2025, 29 Wisconsin colleges and universities have 100% tobacco-free campus policies, covering a total of 99 sites:
- Alverno College
- Bellin College of Nursing
- Carroll University*
- Chippewa Valley Technical College (7 sites)
- Fox Valley Technical College (13 sites)
- Gateway Technical College (3 sites)
- Lakeshore Technical College
- Madison College (5 sites)*
- Maranatha Baptist University
- Marian University (3 sites)
- Marquette University*
- Medical College of Wisconsin (3 sites)*
- Milwaukee Area Technical College (12 sites)*
- Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design*
- Moraine Park Technical College (5 sites)
- Nicolet Area Technical College (9 sites)
- Northcentral Technical College (6 sites)
- Northeast Wisconsin Technical College*
- Northwood Technical College @ Superior*
- Saint Norbert College*
- Springfield College
- University of Wisconsin-Platteville @ Baraboo/Sauk County*
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (2 sites)*
- University of Wisconsin-River Falls*
- University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (3 sites)*
- University of Wisconsin-Stout*
- Viterbo University
- Waukesha County Technical College (4 sites)
- Western Technical College* (7 sites)
Campuses with "*" have worked with SPARK
Although cigarette use has decreased, many of us are still exposed to it, as well as the health harms of hookah, cigars and other tobacco products. Secondhand smoke is a serious health risk, and tobacco remains the #1 cause of preventable death in the US. A tobacco-free campus is healthier for all of us—students, faculty and staff. It can even give tobacco users the motivation they need to quit for good.
It's not just cigarettes anymore. New tobacco products are introduced all the time—and many of them are specifically designed to get around traditional No Smoking policies. That's why tobacco companies surround young adults at concerts and clubs, in all the places we gather to eat, drink and hang out.
The easier a rule is to understand, the easier it is to follow. Adopting a zero tolerance policy lets people know that tobacco has no place in our academic community. And that makes implementation and enforcement easier, too. Because everyone deserves a safe and healthy campus where everyone can live, learn and work tobacco-free.
As a partner, schools receive support, information and resources from SPARK about tobacco-free campus best practices and other tobacco products (OTPs). In addition, schools can:
- Collaborate and network with other campuses.
- Participate in networking conference calls, webinars, and events.
- Engage students to become an advocate and help to educate their peers.
- Help students gain practical experience working on tobacco prevention.
- Access SPARK resources including sample policies, templates, giveaways, and more.
SPARK Partner Colleges & Universities:
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The SPARK Project
SPARK periodically offers funds that are available to assist campuses in tobacco-free campus initiatives, including work towards a tobacco-free campus policy or to maintain a policy already in place. Schools are not required to have a funded SPARK project to receive the benefits above.
The SPARK Project purpose:
The SPARK Project is to educate campus communities that tobacco in all its forms is a threat, and to assist campuses with their tobacco-free campus efforts or to maintain their policy awareness.
Who can apply for the project?
Any college campus in Wisconsin that wishes to mobilize staff and students to promote a tobacco-free campus environment
Ignite Change
for more information, visit https://www.sparkwi.org/funds
Page last updated: February 11, 2026
