As high school seniors across the Inland Empire make college and career decisions ahead of graduation, CalKIDS is encouraging students and families to check whether scholarship funds have already been set aside in their names. Approximately 73% of public high school students in the Inland Empire are eligible for a CalKIDS Scholarship worth up to $1,500, with more than $265 million in scholarship funds available regionally.
Administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board under the California State Treasurer’s Office, CalKIDS provides scholarships to eligible California public school students to help pay for college or career training. Funds can be used at accredited colleges, universities, community colleges, trade schools, and vocational programs for qualified educational expenses, including tuition and fees, books and supplies, certain room and board, and computer equipment. Students, their parents, or guardians must claim their CalKIDS Scholarship Account in order to use the funds.
“CalKIDS represents California’s investment in the promise and potential of our students,” said State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA. “These scholarships send a powerful message to families across our state: we believe in our young people, we are investing in their future, and we want every student to know that college or career training is within reach.”
CalKIDS is working in partnership with the California Student Aid Commission to support more targeted outreach to eligible students. Through the WebGrants 4 Students portal, school counselors now have access to data that can identify eligible 9-12 grade students and support direct outreach. The partnership helps connect more students to CalKIDS Scholarships and the financial support available to help them take the next step after high school.
“This innovative partnership is transforming how millions of California students access the resources that make college possible. Students can now claim their CalKIDS Account and applying for financial aid more seamlessly” said Dr. Daisy Gonzales, CSAC Executive Director. “We’re removing barriers at the exact moment that students are making decisions about their future, which can influence whether a student enrolls, persists, and ultimately graduates while addressing basic needs.”
For eligible students, CalKIDS offers meaningful financial support as they prepare to take the next step after high school.
"Extremely grateful. I do not know how I would have been able to pay for my fall quarter without [my CalKIDS Scholarship],” said Genesis Arzate, a CalKIDS recipient and student from the University of California, Riverside.
Checking eligibility and claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship is simple and takes just a few minutes. Students only need their Statewide Student Identifier, or SSID, which can typically be found on a school report card or transcript, or by asking a school counselor. Once they have their SSID, students and families can visit CalKIDS.org to check eligibility and, if eligible, follow the steps to claim their scholarship.
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About CalKIDS: 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 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.