Benjamins for Passing Grades

South Dakota will give teens who take online classes in the state’s virtual high school $100 to pass advanced placement (AP) exams.

Beginning in fall 2008, high school students can choose from seven AP courses being offered via the South Dakota Virtual School. Those who pass the course exam with a three or higher will receive a big fat Benjamin.

The state’s pilot program could become a standard for improving math and science education in rural and sparsely populated states across the nation.