Washington D.C., October 7, 2025
News Summary
The Digital Pioneers Academy, in collaboration with the Rooted School Foundation, has introduced The $50 Study—a unique initiative providing financial support to seniors. Starting this fall, 40 senior students will receive $50 weekly for 40 weeks, totaling $2,000 each. This groundbreaking program aims to assess the effects of unconditional cash transfers on student well-being, financial capability, and academic engagement while being funded entirely through grants and philanthropic sources.
Exciting News for Seniors in Washington D.C.!
Washington, D.C. is buzzing with an exciting new initiative that is bound to make a big difference in the lives of senior students this fall! The Digital Pioneers Academy (DPA) has joined forces with the Rooted School Foundation to launch The $50 Study. This unique program will provide 40 senior students at DPA with $50 per week for 40 weeks, totaling an impressive $2,000 per student.
A First of Its Kind in D.C.
Considered one of the first programs of its kind in the District of Columbia, DPA is stepping up to the plate as the first school in D.C. to collaborate with The $50 Study. This exciting national initiative started back in 2020, and now it’s making its way into the local landscape.
Aiming for More than Just Money
The main goal of The $50 Study isn’t just about giving out cash; it’s about exploring how unconditional cash transfers can impact student well-being, financial capability, and academic engagement. This program will be funded by Education Forward DC, an organization dedicated to improving quality and equity in D.C. public schools, ensuring that the support comes from grants and philanthropic sources—not taxpayer dollars.
Research-Backed Insights
In partnership with researchers from the Center for Guaranteed Income Research at the University of Pennsylvania, the program is underpinned by a dual-year randomized controlled trial. The pilot aims to assess the effects of financial support on student attendance and overall engagement in school. By randomly selecting 40 seniors through a lottery, students will have the opportunity to opt into this transformative program.
Breaking Barriers
DPA’s participation in The $50 Study aims to remove barriers preventing student success by providing direct financial support. With over 100 students enrolled at DPA and around 70 expressing interest in participating, there is a palpable enthusiasm surrounding the initiative. Students will need to apply before October 3 to be considered.
From Challenges to Opportunities
Last year, DPA faced some challenges with attendance, where over half of its high schoolers missed more than 10 unexcused days. However, previous implementations of similar cash programs in other areas have shown that students often become more thoughtful about their financial decisions, thus enhancing their academic performance and overall engagement in school.
Looking Ahead
If the pilot program proves successful, there are possibilities for expanding this initiative to other schools within the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). As Jonathan Johnson, the founder and CEO of Rooted School Foundation points out, this program serves as a blueprint for addressing opportunity gaps in education, offering a new way to tackle longstanding challenges faced by students.
In Conclusion
With enthusiastic support and a well-structured plan in place, D.C. is setting the stage for a groundbreaking exploration of how financial support can change the educational landscape, benefitting students at every turn.
FAQ Section
What is The $50 Study program?
The $50 Study is a program launched by Digital Pioneers Academy in partnership with the Rooted School Foundation, providing $50 per week for 40 weeks, totaling $2,000 per student, to 40 seniors at DPA.
Who is funding The $50 Study?
Funding for the program comes from Education Forward DC, ensuring that all support is provided through grants and philanthropic sources, not taxpayer dollars.
How will the program impact students?
The program aims to explore the impact of unconditional cash transfers on student well-being, financial capability, and academic engagement, potentially improving attendance and school involvement among participants.
How can students apply to participate?
Students interested in the program must apply before the deadline of October 3 to be considered for participation.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Weekly Cash Support | $50 per week for 40 weeks |
| Total Amount per Student | $2,000 |
| Number of Students | 40 seniors |
| Funding Source | Education Forward DC |
| Application Deadline | October 3 |
| Expected Outcomes | Improved student well-being, financial capability, and academic engagement |
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Additional Resources
- WJLA: Exciting Initiative for Students at Digital Pioneers Academy
- Fox5DC: D.C. High School Students to be Paid to Learn
- Washington Post: Paying Students for Attendance in D.C.
- MaxPreps: Volleyball Recap: Digital Pioneers Academy
- Sports Illustrated: Lawrence Moten Named GM at Digital Pioneers Academy
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Google Search: Educational Initiatives Washington D.C.
- Google Scholar: Unconditional Cash Transfers Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google News: Digital Pioneers Academy
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
