As the new school year begins, more than 7 in 10 Los Angeles County public school students are eligible for up to $1,500 each in college and career training scholarships through CalKIDS, a $2 billion statewide initiative aimed at expanding access to higher education.
The CalKIDS Program, launched in 2022 by the State of California and administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, automatically opens scholarship accounts for eligible students and invests the funds until they are ready for college or other postsecondary programs.
Los Angeles County alone accounts for $557 million of the statewide funding, with students in grades 2 through 12 eligible to receive $500. Students in foster care or experiencing homelessness qualify for additional support, bringing their total scholarship amount to $1,500.
“These funds aren’t just dollars—they’re an investment in our children’s dreams and in California’s future,” said State Treasurer Fiona Ma. “Every child deserves both the belief and the support to make their dreams real.”
Scholarship funds can be used nationwide at accredited colleges, universities, community colleges and eligible career training programs. Qualified expenses include tuition, books, supplies and computer equipment.
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A worker helps a family find information about claiming their CalKIDS Scholarships at Santa Cruz Community Ventures and Santa Cruz County of Education Workshop in this undated image. (Courtesy) -
CalKIDS workers share essential at EDD Paid Family Leave event in this undated image. (Courtesy) -
CalKIDS connects with students at the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Center at Sac State in this undated image.
(Courtesy)
Local education leaders are urging families to take advantage of the opportunity.
“CalKIDS has been a blessing to so many of our families as they prepare, even early on, for higher education,” said Ingrid Gunnell, board president of Glendale Unified School District.
Claiming a scholarship is free and can be done online at CalKIDS.org using a student’s 10-digit Statewide Student Identifier, which is typically available through school records.
More than 630,000 students and families have already claimed their CalKIDS accounts across California. With recent legislation ensuring that high school seniors are informed as they complete FAFSA or CADAA applications, CalKIDS is becoming a foundational part of college planning statewide.