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-Editorial
California is celebrating National Scholarship Month by spotlighting the expanding impact of the CalKIDS Scholarship Program, which now serves more than five million children across the state. Launched in 2022, the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS) 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. The program is administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board (SIB) and chaired by State Treasurer Fiona Ma.
The program is intended to make higher education more accessible, promote college-going mindsets, and advance economic mobility for California families. More than 750,000 students have already claimed their scholarships, which can be used for tuition, books, housing, and other educational expenses at accredited colleges, universities, and vocational schools nationwide. Treasurer Ma described CalKIDS as both an immediate financial resource for older students and a long-term investment in financial literacy for younger families.
CalKIDS automatically creates scholarship accounts for eligible children, removing traditional application barriers. Public school students in grades 2–12, representing about 60% of the student population, are eligible, along with all children born in California on or after July 1, 2022. Once students turn 17 and enroll in accredited higher education or career training programs, they can claim their funds. The program also encourages families to develop saving habits and consider their children’s educational futures from an early age.
Students and families shared positive experiences with the program. Abigail Lopez, a CSU San Bernardino student, said her CalKIDS funds helped cover tuition, books, and housing, easing financial stress. Lindsay Ferguson of Orange County described her family’s excitement when her son received his first scholarship. Educators like Cindy Duran, Faculty CalWORKs Coordinator at Saddleback College, highlighted how CalKIDS provides an additional source of financial support that families often overlook.
Research supports the program’s approach. Studies, including the SEED OK study at Washington University in St. Louis, indicate that early investments in children’s accounts can influence family behavior and educational expectations for years, particularly in underserved communities. CalKIDS is part of California’s broader cradle-to-career strategy, aiming to reduce educational inequities and send a clear message to children: higher education is attainable and valued.
Families are encouraged to visit CalKIDS.org to confirm eligibility and claim their accounts. The program is widely regarded as a step toward building family assets, encouraging financial literacy, and supporting long-term educational goals. CalKIDS continues to expand access to scholarships statewide, reinforcing the state’s commitment to preparing children for college and career success.
