Final Reflections with Kyla

In this final episode, DJ Flip-Phone checks in with Kyla as she reflects on her journey with the $50 Study. Since graduating high school, Kyla has moved to Richmond, Virginia, started her first job, and stepped into a new chapter of independence.

Kyla shares the lessons she’ll carry for life, how the $50 Study shaped her mindset about money, and how it empowered her to make choices about her future. She also reflects on the importance of responsibility, independence, and the value of investing in young people.

A huge thank you to Kyla for being so open, honest, and positive in sharing her story — and to the Rooted Cash Foundation for making this podcast possible and continuing to invest in New Orleans youth, fifty dollars at a time.

Listen in for an inspiring, honest, and uplifting conclusion to Kyla’s journey on the Rooted Cash Podcast.

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.