California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS)
CLAIM YOUR CALKIDS SCHOLARSHIP TODAY
Aid for qualified higher education expenses
CalKIDS awards eligible students up to $1,500 for use toward expenses like tuition, books, computer equipment, supplies, and more.
About
The California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS) was launched in 2022 by the State of California to help eligible California public school students with CalKIDS Scholarships worth up to $1,500—helping them take the next step toward college or career training by easing financial barriers to higher education. Administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, CalKIDS is the nation’s largest child development account program.
Eligible students can use their CalKIDS Scholarship Accounts for tuition and fees, books and supplies, and computer equipment. Since 2022, approximately $1 billion in CalKIDS Scholarships have been made available to more than 2 million of California’s public high school students.
Scholarship Award
Over half of California high school students have money waiting for them. CalKIDS awards up to $1,500 for eligible students who were in a California public school during the 2021 – 2022 academic year.
- $500 for low-income or English learner public school students
- $500 more if identified then as foster youth
- $500 more if identified then as a homeless youth
To be eligible, you must have been enrolled on the Fall Census Day and identified by the Local Control Funding Formula, with that information reported to the California Department of Education
Check if you’re eligible in a few simple steps:
Find your 10-digit Statewide Student Identifier (SSID). Contact your high school to get it if you’re unsure where to find it.
Check your eligibility here.
If you’re eligible, claim your scholarship!
Additionally, all children born in California on or after July 1, 2022, will receive up to $175 in a CalKIDS Scholarship Account – serving as their first scholarship from the State of California.*
* Final scholarship amounts and financial incentives are subject to change and approval by the ScholarShare Investment Board.
Request a Distribution
If you have an existing CalKIDS Account, you can request a distribution of funds from your account. The funds are sent directly to your college. Log in to learn more about requesting a distribution.
For More Information
You can learn more about this program on the CalKIDS website, including:
More financial aid programs are available.
Most U.S. citizens qualify for financial aid with a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Undocumented students can get assistance through the California Dream Act (CADAA).
PELL GRANTS
Federal Pell Grants go to undergraduate students without college degrees who come from low-income families.
CAL GRANT PROGRAM
Cal Grants get awarded to California resident undergraduates based on financial need, academic performance and other factors.
PROMISE GRANTS
Low-income students and students receiving cash assistance may automatically apply for a California College Promise Grant (CCPG).
FOSTER YOUTH
Foster youth students who were in care on or after their 16th birthday can apply for a Chafee Grant up until they turn 26.
WORK-STUDY PROGRAMS
Federal work-study students earn money to pay for college by working a part-time job on-campus or out in the community.
STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
The California Community Colleges Scholarship Endowment (CCCSE) offers over 3,000 student scholarships per year.
