Detroit schools offer students up to $1,000 for perfect attendance as program expands

Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) paid students up to $1,000 for perfect attendance and is expanding the incentive program to middle schoolers after district officials say it successfully reduced chronic absenteeism. Now in its second year, the "Perfect Attendance Pays" initiative targets the winter months—running from Jan. 5 to March 20 —when attendance historically dips across the district. "DPSCD is continuing the Perfect Attendance Pays initiative for the 2026–27 school year