CalKIDS to Host Virtual Event Featuring State Treasurer Fiona Ma and Special Guest, America Ferrera

Sacramento, CA — On August 14, 2025, the CalKIDS Program will host Celebrating Three Years of CalKIDS, a special one-hour virtual event featuring California State Treasurer Fiona Ma and America Ferrera, an award-winning actress, producer, director, and longtime advocate for education equity. The event is designed to drive statewide action and engagement around CalKIDS, a transformative $2 billion public investment helping families across California access college and career training opportunities.

CalKIDS, administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board and chaired by State Treasurer Ma, is the nation’s largest child development account program for higher education. It provides scholarships of up to $1,500 for eligible public-school students and up to $175 for every child born in California on or after July 1, 2022 — no applications, essays, or GPAs required.

With more than five million children and students eligible, the program is closing equity gaps and helping families take the first and often most important step toward building educational and economic opportunity for the next generation.

“CalKIDS is a bold investment in California’s future,” said State Treasurer Fiona Ma. “We’re empowering families to unlock real funds already set aside for their child’s education. This event is about turning awareness into action and creating meaningful impact for students and families across the state.”

A key feature of the event will be a live demonstration showing how students and families can check eligibility and claim their CalKIDS Scholarship Account in just a few simple steps.

● Public school students will need their Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), a 10-digit number available by contacting their school.

● Parents of newborns and young children born in California on or after July 1, 2022 will need the 13-digit Local Registration Number (LRN), located on their child’s birth certificate. ● Students and families can then visit CalKIDS.org to get started.

This virtual event marks a major milestone in CalKIDS broader push to increase program participation. With over 600,000 CalKIDS Scholarship Accounts already claimed, the goal is to help as many children and students as possible claim their accounts, and this event featuring America Ferrera is intended to inspire thousands of students and families to take action.

“CalKIDS isn't just about higher education — it's about empowering families and affirming the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed,” shared Ferrera. "I personally know what a scholarship opportunity can mean for a family’s future.”

Ferrera will host a special segment during the event titled “Spotlight Segment,” where she reflects on her personal journey and the importance of higher education, equity, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.

Every CalKIDS Scholarship claimed helps build a stronger, more equitable future for California’s children. For students like Estuardo, a CalKIDS Scholarship recipient from San Francisco State University, the impact is already being felt:

“I was absolutely surprised…I didn’t know I could have money for school just like that. I used my funds for tuition…it took a big load off my back. Now I can finally focus on my education.”

CalKIDS funds can be used at accredited colleges, universities, trade schools, and career training programs nationwide, covering expenses such as tuition, books, supplies, and more.

With over 60% of California public school students eligible for a CalKIDS Scholarship and 100% of children born on or after July 1, 2022, who have a CalKIDS Scholarship waiting in their name — the time to take action is now. Visit youtube.com/@CalKIDSProgram to watch the virtual event broadcast on August 14, 2025, at 8:00 PM.

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, 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. To learn more, visit CalKIDS.org.