VANCOUVER — Smokers and non-smokers in Grades 5 through 8 are being offered $5,000 to quit smoking or stay smoke-free throughout their high school years.

The group Rewarding Everyone Who Acts Responsibly and Doesn't Smoke, or R.E.W.A.R.D.S., is unveiling its Canada-wide program in conjunction with National Non-Smoking Week, which begins Sunday.

In order to be eligible, students must sign a contract pledging to remain smoke-free at least until graduation.

They must also enlist four sponsors who agree to donate a small amount of cash each month to the R.E.W.A.R.D.S. foundation which, in turn, hands the money to the student when they complete Grade 12.

R.E.W.A.R.D.S. program president Samy Bishay says the goal is to sign up 100,000 young people over the next few months.

Bishay hopes the foundation inspires teachers, program coordinators and principals to support students in their goal to graduate smoke-free.