Over 2 Million Students in California Eligible for CalKIDS Scholarships Up to $1,500

Exciting Opportunity for California Students Through CalKIDS

With college acceptance letters making their way to students across California, the arrival of financial aid is also packing a punch for many students. The CalKIDS program provides a significant opportunity for high school seniors and college students to ease their educational burdens. Officially the largest child development account program in the nation, CalKIDS is administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board and offers scholarships of up to $1,500 for eligible students. This initiative is not just a financial boost; it represents a step towards greater educational accessibility.

What is CalKIDS?

CalKIDS aims to remove financial barriers that often deter students from pursuing higher education. It provides scholarships to California public school students that can be utilized for various educational expenses, including tuition, books, supplies, and necessary computer equipment. To date, nearly $1 billion in scholarships has been allocated to over 2 million California public high school students since the program's inception in 2022. This substantial fund underscores the state's commitment to supporting its youth in attaining their educational objectives.

Making Education More Accessible

In a bid to ensure families are aware of these scholarships, the ScholarShare Investment Board has partnered with high schools, districts, community organizations, and financial aid directors at local colleges and universities. These collaborations have led to a successful campaign that saw nearly 100,000 new scholarship claims made in just four months.

"CalKIDS is an incredible resource for California families," stated State Treasurer Fiona Ma, who chairs the ScholarShare Investment Board. "Claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship is the easiest step students can take towards higher education, whether that’s a college, trade school, or vocational training.”

This message resonates with many families who have previously struggled to finance their children’s education. With CalKIDS, there is renewed hope for those from historically underserved communities, and there is a strong push for every eligible student to take advantage of this opportunity.

How to Claim a CalKIDS Scholarship

Claiming a scholarship from CalKIDS is both straightforward and quick. Families simply need to acquire their student's Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), a ten-digit number available by contacting the respective school. Once they have this information, they can visit CalKIDS.org, check eligibility, and claim a scholarship account within minutes.

The scholarship funds can be used at any accredited institution, including colleges, universities, trade institutions, and various career programs across the country. Once enrolled, students can log into their CalKIDS Account to request distributions directly to their school for qualifying educational expenses.

Real Impact on Student Lives

For students like Samantha from Moreno Valley College, the CalKIDS Scholarship could not have come at a better time. “I felt very fortunate and less stressed… it was a huge help. I used the money for books and testing materials for school,” she exclaimed.

Such financial assistance can significantly impact students' futures. Research indicates that having just $500 set aside for college can make students three times more likely to attend and four times more likely to graduate. Cassandra DiBenedetto, Executive Director of the initiative, remarked, “CalKIDS Accounts are more than financial assistance—they're an investment in students' futures.” The program aims to inspire all eligible students to believe in their potential for higher education.

Seize the Opportunity

With approximately 60% of California's public school students qualifying for the CalKIDS Scholarship and crucial college decision deadlines approaching fast, now is the perfect time for students and families to check their eligibility and secure their scholarship accounts. To learn more about how to claim a CalKIDS Scholarship Account, including details on eligibility and the amounts available, visit CalKIDS.org.

About CalKIDS

The California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program, known as CalKIDS, is America's premier child development account scheme, aiming to foster educational aspirations and enable families to build financial assets. The program showcases California's commitment to empowering the next generation, ensuring that its youth are equipped with the resources needed to pursue their dreams. Every child born in California after July 1, 2022, automatically receives a CalKIDS Scholarship worth up to $175, further solidifying this effort to enhance educational opportunities throughout the state.