Last Friday was payday for the 3,293 students at 15 D.C. middle schools who are enrolled in the District’s Capital Gains program. The pilot program, co-funded by the District and Harvard University, allows students to earn up to $100 every two weeks for meeting conditions based on good academics, attendance, and behavior.

The average amount earned by students in the first pay period was $43, though district officials say they expect payouts to increase as students begin to recognize the tangible rewards of participating. Starting next pay period, payments will be deposited automatically in electronic accounts for each student. While it is too soon to assess the success of the program overall, it’s interesting that a decrease in tardiness has already been reported.

Predictably, there were a couple snags. Shaw at Garnet-Patterson accidentally under-paid its students, who will now receive the difference next payday, and Whitter also reported problems. One teacher DCist spoke to pointed out that the program also requires extensive paperwork for teachers, who are still adjusting to the extra administrative duties.

The Post quotes a number of students expressing mixed reactions to their checks. Some were disappointed, expecting to have earned more, while others were pleased that their efforts paid off. Twelve-year-old Avontae Matthews (who earned $40) told Post reporters how the program had motivated her: “I participated in all my classes — even gym. . . . I raised my hand in social studies, and I paid more attention in math,” she reflected, before announcing to her friends, “I’m going to the mall!”

Photo by dullshick