Families claim their CalKIDS Scholarships at a recent Santa Cruz Community Ventures and Santa Cruz County of Education workshop. Photo courtesy of CalKIDS

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Now that the new school year is in full swing, it’s the perfect time for students and families to jumpstart their year with CalKIDS, California’s landmark scholarship program for college and career training.

Launched in 2022 by the State of California and administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, CalKIDS expands access to higher education by creating scholarship accounts for eligible students, offering families a simple and meaningful first step toward their child’s future education. 

“Back-to-school is the perfect time to claim your CalKIDS Scholarship,” said California State Treasurer Fiona Ma. “These funds aren’t just dollars; they’re an investment in our children’s dreams and in California’s future. Every child deserves both the belief and the support to make their dreams real.”

CalKIDS connects with students at the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Center at the California State University, Sacramento. Photo courtesy of CalKIDS

CalKIDS scholarships can be used at accredited colleges, universities, community colleges and career training programs across the country. Eligible education-related expenses include tuition and fees, books and school supplies, and computer equipment. 

Over time, CalKIDS Scholarship Account funds can earn extra money because they are set aside and invested until the student is ready for college or career training.

Research shows that children with even modest education savings are three times more likely to attend college and four times more likely to graduate. By claiming a CalKIDS account, families are taking a powerful step toward building a path to higher education.

Claiming a scholarship is quick, easy, and can be done entirely online. Go to CalKIDS.org and click “Confirm Eligibility.” Enter your child’s Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), a 10-digit number which can be found on the student’s K-12 school portal, transcript, report card or by contacting their school directly. If eligible, follow the prompts to “Claim Account.”

Once the scholarship account is claimed, funds can be used when the student enrolls in an accredited college, university, community college, or career training program.

California recently passed legislation requiring schools to share information about CalKIDS as students complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA), ensuring that high school seniors are introduced to this important funding resource.

CalKIDS shares essential resources at various community events. Photo courtesy of CalKIDS

More than 630,000 students and families across California have already claimed their CalKIDS Scholarships.

To learn more or claim a CalKIDS Scholarship, visit CalKIDS.org.

The California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS) is the nation’s largest child development account program, providing scholarships for higher education. Administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board and chaired by Ma, the program is designed to promote the pursuit of higher education statewide by empowering families to build assets, nurture savings habits and raise their educational aspirations.

Eligible public-school students can receive CalKIDS Scholarships worth up to $1,500 and every child born in California on or after July 1, 2022, is awarded a CalKIDS Scholarship worth up to $175, ensuring more families have the resources needed to support their children’s education. To learn more, visit CalKIDS.org.