Chicago students earn $265,986 for grades

CHICAGO, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- Chicago Public Schools officials said students earned a collective $265,986 through a program offering cash rewards for good grades.

The program, which is funded by a Harvard University education research laboratory and private donations, is offering freshmen at 20 city high schools $50 for A's, $35 for B's and $20 for C's after each five-week grading period, the Chicago Tribune reported Friday.

Roland Fryer, the Harvard economics professor heading the program, said at Manley Career Academy High School that he had once dropped out of school and began selling drugs until friends and family members "invested" in him.

"This is investing in you. This is what it's all about," Fryer said.

Sarah Shields, a history teacher and project coordinator at Manley, said the results of the program have already become evident, with students making greater efforts to earn higher grades.

"Getting a check is a really personal motivation. Students know if they work harder their personal checks will be bigger," Shields said.