‘Paid for Grades’ record donation: $123,000 given to students, educators, schools in Pinellas County

St. Petersburg – Students from three different Pinellas County high schools are starting the summer off with an extra $500 in their pockets. These high school freshmen from Hollins, Lakewood and Boca Ciega earned that because of their improved performance in the classroom through the nonprofit, ‘Paid for Grades’. They were celebrated with a ceremony Wednesday night at Hollins High School where students picked up their checks with friends and family cheering them on.

Paid for Grades is a program that rewards 9th-grade Pinellas County students for improving their reading skills and overall GPA. These kids worked with mentors over the course of several months. The goal of the program is to help students cultivate strong academic habits that set them on the path for success.

123 students made it to the end of the program this year. That’s the largest class of in the program’s 10-year history!
Students who complete the program received a $500.00 award, their mentors will also receive $400.00, and the school they attend will get $100.00 for each student who completes the program. This year’s total donation came out to $123,000.