Money may not be able to buy happiness, but it may earn students' attention in the classroom.

Principal Harold Clay at the Edna Karr High School in New Orleans has a keen motivator up his sleeve, as he pays cold hard cash to his students for their good grades.

He believes if teens start to look at participating in academics as a sport, they'll be more eager to excel, which is why he gives Letterman jackets to reward academic achievement

Judging by the proud smiles of the recipients, the tactic has worked wonders.

"If you work hard in the class room someone is going to take notice, someone's going to take heed of what you're doing," said Karr senior Korey Finnie to WWL-TV.

(WATCH the video above from WWL News) – SHARE With Educators…