By Debbie L. Sklar • Times of San Diego
Copyright timesofsandiego
More than 260,000 California second graders are starting the school year with more than pencils and backpacks—they’re also receiving their first college savings scholarship through CalKIDS, the state program that helps families prepare for higher education and career training.
Each eligible student automatically receives at least $500 in a CalKIDS Scholarship Account. Foster youth and students experiencing homelessness receive an additional $500–$1,000, for a total of up to $1,500.
New groups of students are added to the program each year. Eligibility is determined by the California Department of Education using income and language criteria under the Local Control Funding Formula. Students enrolled in 1st grade on Fall Census Day are identified and awarded a CalKIDS account by the time they enter 2nd grade.
“Expanding CalKIDS participation each year is an investment in California’s future,” said State Treasurer Fiona Ma. “When families engage with a CalKIDS Account early, it can help foster higher aspirations and support long-term academic success.”
Now the largest child development account program in the nation, CalKIDS has created more than 5 million accounts with $2.2 billion invested. More than 650,000 families have claimed scholarships, and over $60 million has already gone to help more than 110,000 students pay for college and career training expenses, according to a news release.
“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,” said Dr. Jami Parsons, deputy executive director of the California Association of School Counselors. “School counselors play a critical role in helping families plan for college and career training, and CalKIDS is a powerful tool to start that conversation early—especially for those who might not have seen higher education as an option before.”
Research shows children with even modest savings are three times more likely to attend college and four times more likely to graduate. CalKIDS accounts are invested and may grow over time, with funds available for tuition, books, supplies, or computer equipment at accredited institutions nationwide, the news release said.
Claiming a scholarship takes just minutes. Parents and students can visit CalKIDS.org and use the student’s 10-digit Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), found on school portals, transcripts, report cards, or by contacting the school directly.
With millions of accounts established and thousands of families claiming each month, CalKIDS is helping ensure more California children have the resources to pursue higher education.
For more information, visit CalKIDS.org.
