A groundbreaking program to create economic opportunity.
Investing in high school students, $50 at a time.
About The $50 Study
The $50 Study is the first and largest direct cash transfer study of its kind for high school students in the United States. Led by Rooted School Foundation, the program gives participating teens $50 a week—unconditionally—for 40 weeks, investing directly in their potential during a pivotal moment in their lives.
Since 2020, over 400 students in New Orleans and Indianapolis have received more than $500,000 in total cash support. Backed by a randomized controlled trial in partnership with researchers from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and the University of Pennsylvania, early results show promising gains: reduced financial stress, improved academic outcomes, and smarter financial decisions. Students are using their funds for food, transportation, college applications, driver’s ed, and more—choices that reflect their needs and aspirations.
As the program expands in New Orleans, to Washington D.C., and beyond, The $50 Study is making the case that unconditional cash is one of the most powerful ways we can invest in young people and their futures.
“The $50 Study is the most helpful thing a kid could ask for, or even be gifted…it’s the most important thing. Students [from low-income families] don’t have to worry about money as much, they can focus on themselves and school, and work to achieve their goals”
Impacts From Pilot to Present:
RCT Micro-Pilot (2020-2021)
20 12th-grade students at Rooted New Orleans. View Report.
2022-2024: RCT Phase I & II
386 students, 3 schools, New Orleans & Indianapolis. View Report.
2024 - 2027: RCT with Longitudinal Exapansion
600+ students, 9 schools, New Orleans
Findings from The $50 Study show that students who received cash transfers experience:
Reduced Financial Hardship
Enhanced Financial Capability
Improved School Attendance
Improved ability to meet basic needs
How to Get Involved
Donate
Support The $50 Study’s work, and empower students through direct cash transfers.
Connect With Us
Join our community and stay updated on the latest news, events, and stories from The $50 Study.
Share Our Mission
Help spread the word and inspire others by sharing The $50 Study’s vision for equitable opportunity.
The $50 Study in the Media
$50 a week for 40 weeks: How no-strings cash changed the lives of teens
This story about cash transfer programs was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education.
EdWeek: What Happens When You Give Students $50 a Week?
An ongoing study tests whether no-strings-attached money for high school can improve outcomes.
Indy Star: Will $50 a week teach kids fiscal skills in Indianapolis school’s study, close wealth gap?
The charter chain’s “moonshot,” as its website states, is to close the wealth gap between Black and white Americans. The $50 cash project is a teaching tool toward that mission.
The 74: From Fast Food to Savings Accounts, $50 Weekly Payments Shift Students’ Thinking
Rooted Schools in Indianapolis and New Orleans build student financial literacy with guaranteed income.
Fast Company: The $50 Study was highlighted in Fast Company's list of World Changing Ideas in 2023.
The study was awarded as a Finalist in the Social Justice Category and as an Honorable Mention in the North America and Experimental Category.
SXSW Session: The $50 Study - Creating an Income Floor for Teens
A first-of-its-kind program explores the impact of giving unconditional cash to youth, starting with teens.
Rooted Cash Podcast
A student led podcast where recipients are able to share their experiences and reflections as participants. The podcast is MC-ed by a former $50 Study recipient, Vernell Cheneau, and is produced by BeLoud Studios.