CalKIDS Scholarship Month Launches in San Diego County to Help More Students Claim Scholarships

More than $141 million in CalKIDS Scholarships is available to eligible local students, with schools helping more families claim funds for college or career training

San Diego, CA. — CalKIDS is launching the first CalKIDS Scholarship Month this September, partnering with county offices of education and school districts across California. This statewide effort will bring scholarship claiming support directly to school communities, making it easier for eligible students to take action and claim their CalKIDS Scholarship Accounts.

In San Diego County, more than $141 million in CalKIDS Scholarships is available to eligible public-school students, and approximately 55% of public-school students in grades 2-12 are eligible for a scholarship worth up to $1,500.

“CalKIDS Scholarship Month is about meeting students where they are and making it easier for them to access resources that can help support their education after high school,” said California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA. “By bringing CalKIDS directly onto school campuses throughout California, we can help more students take this important step and claim their scholarship funds.”

Throughout the month, participating school districts and campuses will host designated CalKIDS Scholarship claiming events where students and families can check eligibility and claim their scholarships on-site.

For students in grades 9-12, schools have an additional tool to support these efforts. Through a data-sharing agreement between CalKIDS and the California Student Aid Commission, CalKIDS Scholarship information is available to high school administrators through WebGrants for Institutions, the state’s financial aid platform. Schools can use this information to identify students with CalKIDS Scholarships and connect them directly with on-campus claiming opportunities throughout September and beyond.

“The San Diego County Office of Education is committed to reducing poverty and increasing belonging through public education so that every child can thrive in school and in life. The CalKIDS program is an important part of that vision because the scholarships help remove financial barriers and expand access to opportunities beyond high school, whether that's college, trade school, or other career programs. When we connect students and families with resources to support their future success, we are helping build pathways to economic mobility and stronger communities of belonging," said San Diego County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza.

In addition to school-based claiming events, students and families can check eligibility and claim a CalKIDS Scholarship online at any time, taking an important step toward preparing for the future. Checking eligibility and claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship takes just a few minutes:

1. Visit CalKIDS.org and select “Confirm Eligibility.”

2. Enter the student’s 10-digit Statewide Student Identifier, or SSID. The number may be available on a report card, transcript or school portal, or families can request it from the student’s school or counselor.

3. If eligible, follow the prompts to claim the student’s CalKIDS Scholarship Account.

CalKIDS Scholarships can be used for qualified educational expenses, including tuition and fees, books and supplies, computer equipment and other eligible costs at accredited colleges, universities, career training programs and vocational schools nationwide.

“[CalKIDS] is honestly like a safety net for me because I would have to come up with the college money myself after financial aid. It feels reassuring knowing that I have that extra money to help me," said Ruby Rivas, a CalKIDS recipient and student from Oceanside High School. "It makes me feel better knowing that I have extra money to spend on my college tuition instead of having to worry about how much I need to save up for it.”

CalKIDS is supporting county offices of education and school districts with localized scholarship data, ready-to-use communications materials, outreach tools and training resources to help expand claiming efforts during CalKIDS Scholarship Month and beyond.

Launched in 2022 and administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, CalKIDS has invested more than $2.4 billion in scholarships for more than 6 million California children and students to help support their pursuit of college, career training and other postsecondary education opportunities.

Families can learn more about CalKIDS, check their student’s eligibility and claim an available scholarship at CalKIDS.org.

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.