In this episode of the Rooted Cash podcast, Be Loud Junior Producer Kyla sits down with Talia Livneh, program director at the Rooted Foundation and leader of the $50 Study — a direct cash transfer program providing $50 a week to high school students across New Orleans.

T
heir conversation explores how the program began during the pandemic as a response to students needing financial support to stay engaged in school, and how it has since grown to serve over 400 youth. Talia shares stories of students using their weekly transfers to cover basic needs, support family, apply to college, and even launch small businesses.

Kyla reflects on her own experience in the program — from buying prom essentials and birthday gifts to learning what financial freedom and responsibility really mean. Together, they push back against the myth that young people can't be trusted with money, offering firsthand stories and real data that show the opposite.

About the $50 Study:
Led by the Rooted School Foundation, this initiative gives young people $50 a week to explore budgeting, responsibility, and the real impact of financial access. Follow @50dollarstudy on Instagram and visit rootedschoolfoundation.org to learn more about the program and how it’s supporting youth across New Orleans.