I’m thrilled to share that, through the Paid for Grades program, freshmen from Lakewood, Boca Ciega, and Hollins high schools have earned a total of $164,000 for themselves, their mentors, and their schools this week!
This amazing achievement comes after their hard work and dedication in completing the 11th Annual Paid for Grades program. This is a literacy initiative, supported by Chargebacks911, that financially rewards students for boosting their reading skills and overall GPA.
What Paid for Grades Does
Paid for Grades offers cash incentives to motivate students and support our local schools. Students who meet the benchmarks, complete life skills training, and maintain attendance will receive a $500 cash prize.
Mentors are key to the program’s success. They earn $400 for each student who completes it, while schools also receive $100 for every student who finishes the program. These funds can be used for new technology and ongoing learning.
Everyone wins when students achieve their goals!
Celebrating Student Accomplishments in 2024
This year, Paid for Grades celebrated students with individual ceremonies at their schools, presenting them with certificates, “summer swag bags,” and a $500 check. Students earned $53,000 for Boca Ciega High School, $81,000 for Hollins High School, and $30,000 for Lakewood High School.
As I mentioned, Paid for Grades has been growing for more than a decade. Since 2013, we’ve donated around $1.5 million to Pinellas County students, mentors, and schools through this program.
I’m truly overwhelmed by the dedication shown by each student who has chosen to embark on this journey of self-improvement. Their unwavering commitment is the reason our program is as successful as it is today, and I hope the lessons of personal growth that they’ve learned through Paid for Grades are carried forward into their futures.
Why Giving Back Matters
Educational initiatives like Paid for Grades are so important because education lays the groundwork for a brighter future.
By investing in our students, we’re not just helping them achieve academic success. We’re also giving them the skills and confidence to thrive in life. Programs like Paid for Grades offer tangible rewards that motivate students to excel, creating a culture of achievement and continuous improvement.
When businesses invest in education, they’re investing in the future workforce, ensuring young people are well-prepared for tomorrow’s job market. Plus, supporting educational programs strengthens our ties to the community. It’s a tangible way of “putting our money where our mouth is,” as part of our commitment to social responsibility.
When we come together to support non-profit educational initiatives, we can make a lasting impact on students, mentors, and schools. The end result is a more dynamic, forward-thinking community, which benefits everyone.
We are always excited about the potential to expand Paid for Grades to even more schools. With the positive impact it has had, we aim to continue growing and reaching more students. With more support from the community, we can extend these opportunities and benefits to more students and schools in the future. Let’s keep the momentum going and help Paid for Grades grow!
