Detroit Pays Students $1,000 to Go to Class

The Detroit Public Schools Community District is now paying students cash to attend class. This new program aims to fight a severe absentee problem. District data shows 60.9% of students were chronically absent last year. Chronic absenteeism means missing at least 10% of school days. Officials launched a 10-week pilot program for the winter term. Students at five high schools can earn a $100 gift card each week for perfect attendance. A student with perfect attendance for all 10 weeks will receive $1,000. The district is using pandemic relief funds for the incentives. Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti stated the goal is to build consistent attendance habits. The program will be evaluated after this term to judge its effectiveness.