The $50 Study- Meet the Students

AND we are back!

Rooted Schools is conducting the  “$50 Study”- providing 83 Rooted students with $50 a week unconditionally, no strings attached for 40 weeks. Why? The goal see what happens when youth are given unconditional cash transfers. How will this money improve their academic performance? Social-emotional wellbeing? Professional prospects? There will be a team of scientists from University of Pennsylvania measuring their academic performance as well as conducting interviews that will explore the impact on students’ lives including: mental, physical and financial health, family relationships, personal fulfillment.

And the Rooted Cash Podcast will follow along- to record, capture, and amplify the voices and experiences behind the data points. We know that each student has an important story that reflects not only the need that drives this groundbreak study, but the potential that lies ahead.

Follow us all season as we interview students about their experience and ask them to reflect on their financial goals.

And 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.

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.