Attleboro Teachers Dole Out Thousands of Dollars to Students [VIDEO]

More than 140 students received $18,000 in checks as recognition for having completed and received a qualifying score in their Advanced Placement courses.

Students received checks in the amount of $100 to $400 after completing AP English, Math or Science courses thanks to a program led by the National Math and Science Initiative to address a decrease in the science and math education in America.

The five-year, $30 million Mass Math and Science Initiative (MMSI) program was organized by Mass Insight Education in partnership with the Commonwealth and private funders.

Attleboro High School Principal Jeff Newman said participation is increasing each year and so are the number of checks given to students. Last year, 122 students participated and were awarded $15,000 in checks.

"I think the monetary incentive gets peoples attention," Newman said. "The real payoff is the rigor and expectation of a course that prepares them for college."

"I think getting good grades is cool," AP English Teacher Sheila Rosa said to the crowd of students before helping to hand out the checks. "Sometimes I think it's sexy, exciting and attractive."

Taking AP courses proved to be exciting for AHS senior, Brian Cox, who received the most money. Cox received a check for $400 for completing AP Calculus, Language and Composition, Chemistry and Physics.

Not all students who took AP courses were awarded. Students who took AP History were not awarded with a check, according to Newman because that course is not recognized in the MMSI program. Still, they receive a certificate from Attleboro High School and were given gift cards to

"We don't necessarily agree with that decision," Assistant Principal David Sawyer said of history courses being excluded.