California – California’s ScholarShare Investment Board recently announced that more than two million high school graduates and college students are now eligible for CalKIDS Scholarships, as part of an initiative to increase access to higher education.
These scholarships, which can be worth up to $1,500, are intended to assist young people approaching college or career training. They represent a significant advancement in educational equity and opportunity.
The CalKIDS program, designed specifically for California’s public schoolchildren, is the largest of its kind in the nation.
It provides financial assistance for a wide range of school expenses, including tuition, books, supplies, and even computer equipment. Since its inception in 2022, the initiative has awarded approximately $1 billion in scholarships to help students achieve their academic and career goals.
The ScholarShare Investment Board, led by State Treasurer Fiona Ma, has partnered with high schools, school districts, community organizations, and financial aid offices across the state to ensure that this initiative is widely known and accessible.
With nearly 100,000 new scholarships awarded during a recent four-month back-to-school campaign, their efforts have already yielded significant results.
“CalKIDS is an incredible resource for California families,” said State Treasurer Fiona Ma, who chairs the ScholarShare Investment Board.
“Applying for a CalKIDS Scholarship is the simplest step students can take on their path to higher education, whether that means college, trade schools, or technical and vocational schools.
This investment aims to help students, particularly those from historically underserved communities. We want every eligible student to claim their scholarship account and fully utilize this opportunity.”
Students must have their Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), which is a unique ten-digit number assigned by their institution, to be eligible for a CalKIDS Scholarship. Families with this ID can visit the CalKIDS website to confirm their eligibility and apply for scholarships.
From colleges to trade schools, the money can be used at any approved educational institution across the country.
Many students benefit significantly from these scholarships. Studies confirm the effectiveness of such financial programs; students with even a small educational fund are three times more likely to enroll in college and four times as likely to graduate.
“Studies show that students with just $500 or less set aside for college are three times more likely to attend and four times more likely to graduate,” stated 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, and 60% of California’s public school children eligible for the CalKIDS Scholarship, now is the time for students and families to secure their educational funding.
CalKIDS.org provides comprehensive information on how to check eligibility, apply for scholarships, and learn more about the organization’s impact.
The website also explains how the initiative aims to encourage asset development, promote savings habits, and raise educational aspirations among young Californians.
