Ninth-grade students from four Pinellas County high schools were awarded $135,000 this year for improving their grades and literacy levels through the 12th Annual Paid for Grades program, a performance-based literacy initiative backed by Clearwater-based fintech company Chargebacks911.
This year’s program saw participation from 135 students across Boca Ciega, Hollins, Lakewood, and—for the first time—Eastlake High School, as the program continues to expand its reach and impact. Participating students earned $500 each for successfully completing the course, while designated mentors received $400, and schools were awarded $100 per student.
Florida State Reading Scores Hit 25-Year Low
As Florida faces its lowest reading and math scores in more than two decades, programs like Paid for Grades have become more critical than ever. According to the National Center for Education Statistics’ National Assessment of Educational Progress — otherwise known as The Nation’s Report Card — Florida’s eighth-grade reading scores fell in 2024, ranking below the national average for the first time since 2015 and placing behind 27 other states. The report showed that reading scores for eighth graders dropped to their lowest level since 1998.
For eighth graders nationwide, the percentage reading below the “basic” level in 2024 reached a historic 33%, the largest percentage in the test’s history. For Florida eighth graders, that figure reached 37% in 2024.
“[Paid for Grades students] have grown so much in their academics and they’ve grown so much as a person, they know what they’re doing compared to the people that did not take it,” said Francessca Zitiello, a freshman at Eastlake High School who participated in this year’s Paid for Grades program. “It’s such a helpful program that I really do recommend taking.”
Students were celebrated with school-based ceremonies featuring certificates, summer swag bags, and their earnings—marking not just academic progress, but personal growth as they head into summer break.
“It’s basically giving them incentive to do what they’re going to do anyway. And just that extra incentive, that extra push, that extra encouragement. I would encourage more people to do it,” said Karen Dydzuhn, a teacher at Eastlake High School and Paid for Grades mentor. “This really gets your kid engaged. This really will help them through the whole year and the whole program.”
Paid for Grades Continues to Grow
Founded by Chargebacks911 CEO Monica Eaton, Paid for Grades incentivizes student achievement through a unique formula: improve your GPA and readability, maintain strong attendance and behavior, and get rewarded for the effort.
“Watching this program grow year after year—and now expand to new schools like Eastlake—reminds me of why we started it in the first place,” said Eaton. “These students have proven that dedication, resilience, and the right support system can change lives. I hope every student walks away not just with a check, but with the belief that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.”
To date, Paid for Grades has contributed nearly $1.7 million to Pinellas County students, mentors, and schools. The program continues to gain recognition for its results-oriented model that rewards effort and provides both students and educators with the tools they need to succeed.
Teachers and administrators interested in bringing the Paid for Grades program to their schools can visit the How It Works page. Businesses and community partners interested in supporting the program are encouraged to visit the Get Involved page.