New NFHS Learning Center Course Addresses Impact of Alcohol, Marijuana and Vaping on Student Performance

Students can now take a free online course that educates them about the effects of alcohol, marijuana and vaping on their performance in the classroom and on the field, court and stage.

The NFHS Learning Center recently launched the course “Student Performance - Alcohol, Marijuana and Vaping.

The course uses research-backed information to examine how these substances affect physical performance, including reaction time, coordination, endurance and recovery; academic performance, including focus, memory, learning and motivation; and decision-making and judgment, especially in high-pressure or social situations.

During adolescence, the brain is still developing, with the areas responsible for planning, judgment and impulse control among the last to fully mature. The course helps students understand how alcohol, marijuana and vaping can interfere with that development and affect both short- and long-term success in academics, athletics and other activities.

“We look forward to creating awareness on this pertinent topic and continue educating students across the country,” said Dan Schuster, director of educational services at the NFHS. “Students care about their performance in everything they do, and the NFHS Learning Center wants to help them get the most out of their interscholastic experience as well as reach their full potential upon graduation.”

Since its founding nearly 20 years ago, the NFHS Learning Center has developed online courses addressing key issues in high school sports and performing arts programs nationwide. More than 30 million courses have been completed through the platform.

To learn more about the course and explore additional educational offerings, visit NFHSLearn.com.