California families encouraged to check eligibility for new CalKIDS financial aid
California – California’s ScholarShare Investment Board recently revealed that over two million high school graduates and college students are now qualified for CalKIDS Scholarships in an action targeted at increasing access to higher education. Designed to help youngsters approaching college or career training, these scholarships—which can run up to $1,500—mark a major advance in educational equity and opportunity.
Designed specifically for Californian public schoolchildren, the CalKIDS program is the biggest of its kind in the country. It provides financial aid for a variety of school costs, including tuition, books, supplies, even computer equipment. The initiative, which started in 2022, has given scholarships totaling around $1 billion to help students reach their academic and career goals.
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Under the direction of State Treasurer Fiona Ma, the ScholarShare Investment Board has partnered with high schools, school districts, community organizations, and financial aid offices throughout the state to guarantee broad knowledge and accessibility of this initiative. With almost 100,000 new scholarships claimed during a recent four-month back-to-school campaign, their efforts already show notable outcomes.
“CalKIDS is an incredible resource for California families,” said State Treasurer Fiona Ma, chair of the ScholarShare Investment Board.
“Claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship is the easiest step students can take on their path to higher education, whether that means college, trade schools, or technical and vocational schools. This investment is designed to support students, particularly those from historically underserved communities. We want every eligible student to claim their scholarship account and take full advantage of this opportunity.”
Students must have their Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), a unique ten-digit number given by their institution, in order to be eligible for a CalKIDS Scholarship. Families with this ID can visit the CalKIDS website, confirm their eligibility, and collect scholarships. From colleges to trade schools, the money is flexible and used at any approved educational institution nationwide.
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For many students, the impact of these scholarships is profound. Studies confirm the success of such financial programs; students with even a little educational fund are three times more likely to enroll in college and four times more likely to graduate.
“Studies show that students with just $500 or less set aside for college are three times more likely to attend college and four times more likely to graduate,” said Cassandra DiBenedetto, Executive Director. “CalKIDS Accounts are more than financial assistance—they’re an investment in students’ futures, and we want to give every one of these students a reason to believe in their path to higher education.”
With important college application and financial aid deadlines approaching with 60% of California’s public school children qualified for a CalKIDS Scholarship, the time is perfect for students and families to secure their educational funding.
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Interested parties are encouraged to visit CalKIDS.org for comprehensive information on how to check eligibility, apply for scholarships, and learn more about the impact of CalKIDS. The website also provides information on how the initiative seeks to inspire asset development, promote savings practices, and raise young Californian educational goals.
