More than 260,000 second graders across California are embarking on their educational journeys this year with a new financial advantage through the CalKIDS program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to assist families in preparing for both college and career training. Each eligible second grader will automatically receive a minimum of 0 deposited into their CalKIDS Scholarship Account. Notably, foster youth and students experiencing homelessness are afforded additional support, receiving an extra 0 to ,000, thus elevating the total potential scholarship to as much as ,500.
CalKIDS, aimed at expanding educational opportunities, enrolls a new cohort of students annually. Eligibility is determined by the California Department of Education, leveraging the Local Control Funding Formula, which identifies qualifying students based on income criteria, including students classified as English learners. Public school students in California who are enrolled in first grade on the fall census day are recognized as eligible, and by the time they transition into second grade, their CalKIDS scholarship account is established. This financial support can be instrumental in advancing their college and career aspirations.
State Treasurer Fiona Ma emphasized the program’s significance, stating, “Expanding CalKIDS participation each year is an investment in California’s future. When families engage with a CalKIDS account early, it can help foster higher aspirations and support long-term academic success.” Her remarks highlight the correlation between early financial support and increased educational aspirations among young students.
CalKIDS has emerged as the largest child development account program in the United States, with over 5 million accounts created and a cumulative investment of approximately .2 billion aimed at California’s youth. To date, the program has witnessed more than 650,000 families successfully claim their CalKIDS scholarships, with over million disbursed to assist upwards of 110,000 students with college-related expenses.
Dr. Jami Parsons, deputy executive director of the California Association of School Counselors, noted the program’s vital role in initiating conversations about higher education. “As students return to classrooms, it’s the perfect time to remind families about the CalKIDS Program and the promise it holds for our students’ futures,” she said. She underscored that school counselors can significantly influence families’ planning for college and career training, especially for those who may not previously have considered those pathways.
Research indicates that children who possess even modest savings are three times more likely to enroll in college and four times more likely to graduate. The CalKIDS program empowers every qualified student to commence their educational journey with a dedicated scholarship, the funds for which are invested with the potential to accumulate over time. These savings can ultimately be utilized for tuition, educational materials, or related expenses at accredited institutions across the nation.
Claiming a CalKIDS scholarship is designed to be user-friendly, taking just a few minutes to complete. Parents and students can verify eligibility and access their accounts by visiting calkids.org, using the student’s statewide student identifier—a 10-digit number available on K-12 school portals, transcripts, or report cards.
With millions of accounts already established and thousands of families actively claiming scholarships each month, the CalKIDS program offers both optimism and resources, supporting California’s children as they strive for higher education. For more detailed information, parents and guardians are encouraged to visit calkids.org.
