Rooted Cash Podcast

Hosted by the vibrant and insightful Kyla, a senior at New Harmony High, this episode is part of the $50 Study — a direct-cash transfer program by the Rooted School Foundation that puts real money in the hands of young people.

For episode 1, Kyla takes us inside her world — from navigating the highs and lows of high school to chasing her dreams of real estate and creative directing. She shares what it's like to love fashion and TikTok shopping while juggling a strict weekly budget of $50, and opens up about the real fear of financial instability, her hopes for college, and the generational pressure to avoid burnout in a 9-to-5 grind.

Tune in to hear Kyla’s story — and listen to money, youth, and what it means to pursue financial freedom.

About the $50 Study:
The $50 Study provides unconditional cash transfers of $50 per week with wraparound supports for 800 New Orleans high school seniors. They then track its long-term impacts on their academic success, financial capability, and self-perception for four years following high school graduation. It is the first and largest study of its kind.

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What is Rooted Cash Podcast?

During the 2020-2021 school year, a small group of seniors at the Rooted School in New Orleans were given a set amount of 50 dollars every single week for a whole year. No tax, no strings attached, just cold hard cash. Two participating seniors became fascinated with this pilot- so fascinated that they decided to make a podcast about it. In partnership with Be Loud Studios, they interviewed experts and reflected potential impact of earned income and the positives that come from giving young people the money needed to live, work, create, and learn.

Season 3 introduces Kyla, an ambitious graduating senior who brings heart, humor, and honesty to conversations about youth, money, and independence. Through personal stories and interviews, she explores the impact of The $50 Study — a direct cash transfer program giving high school students in New Orleans $50 a week to spend as they choose.

From budgeting for prom to helping her family and dreaming big about her future, Kyla shares what financial freedom means to her and her peers — and why trusting young people with money just makes sense.

If you want to follow us on social media, follow us @the50dollarstudy on Instagram. There we will be sharing pictures, videos, and reflections on this study from the Rooted Community.