Here’s How Families Can Claim Theirs
During National Scholarship Month, families are encouraged to check their eligibility for scholarships supporting college and career training.
Sacramento, CA –California has invested more than $2.4 billion to establish CalKIDS Scholarships for more than 6.1 million children, helping families prepare for the cost of college and career training. During National Scholarship Month in November, California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, is encouraging families to check their eligibility and claim scholarships already established for their children through the state’s CalKIDS Program.
“Scholarships are often celebrated for what they make possible at graduation, but their value can begin long before a student sets foot on a college campus,” said California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, who chairs the ScholarShare Investment Board, which administers CalKIDS. “CalKIDS gives families something tangible to build their educational plans around. It’s a reminder that preparing for college or career training doesn’t have to wait until senior year of high school.”
CalKIDS Scholarships are automatically established for eligible California children, with no essays, recommendation letters or minimum grade-point average required. The program provides up to $1,500 for eligible public school students, representing approximately 60% of students in grades 2-12, and up to $175 for every child born in California on or after July 1, 2022.
CalKIDS Scholarships can help cover qualified educational expenses, including tuition and fees, books, supplies and computer equipment at eligible colleges and career training programs nationwide.
Families can check their eligibility and claim their scholarships by visiting CalKIDS.org and selecting “Confirm Eligibility.” The process requires the following information:
- For eligible public school students: The child’s Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), date of birth and county of enrollment.
- For children born in California on or after July 1, 2022: The child’s Local Registration Number (LRN), date of birth and county of birth.
“[A CalKIDS Scholarship] has meant that I could continue my education with hope of being financially able to make my dreams come true,” said Gavin Brown, a CalKIDS recipient and student from Western Oregon University.
“When families know their children have financial resources set aside for education, it can change how they plan for the future,” said Cassandra DiBenedetto, Executive Director of the ScholarShare Investment Board. “CalKIDS is helping reduce financial barriers and opening doors to educational opportunities that some students and families may have thought were out of reach.”
During National Scholarship Month, families are encouraged to check their eligibility at CalKIDS.org. The website also provides information about eligibility requirements, claiming scholarships and using funds for college or career training.
About CalKIDS: The California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS) is the nation’s largest statewide child development account program, providing scholarships for higher education. Administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, and Chaired by State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, 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.
