As high school seniors across the Central Valley finalize plans for college, trade school, or career training programs, state officials are encouraging students and families to check whether scholarship funds have already been set aside in their names through California’s CalKIDS program.
According to CalKIDS, approximately 72% of public high school students in the Central Valley are eligible for scholarships worth up to $1,500. More than $381 million in scholarship funds are currently available to eligible students throughout the region.
Administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board through the California State Treasurer’s Office, CalKIDS provides scholarships to eligible California public school students to help pay for higher education and career training expenses.
Scholarship funds can be used at accredited colleges, universities, community colleges, trade schools, and vocational programs. Eligible expenses include tuition and fees, books and supplies, certain room and board costs, and computer equipment.
Students, parents, or guardians must claim their CalKIDS Scholarship Account before the funds can be used.
“CalKIDS represents California’s investment in the promise and potential of our students,” said State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA. “These scholarships send a powerful message to families across our state: we believe in our young people, we are investing in their future, and we want every student to know that college or career training is within reach.”
CalKIDS is partnering with the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to expand outreach efforts and help more eligible students access available scholarship funds.
Through the WebGrants 4 Students portal, school counselors can now access data identifying eligible students in grades 9 through 12, allowing them to conduct more direct outreach and support students as they prepare for life after high school.
“This innovative partnership is transforming how millions of California students access the resources that make college possible. Students can now claim their CalKIDS Account and applying for financial aid more seamlessly,” said Dr. Daisy Gonzales, CSAC Executive Director. “We’re removing barriers at the exact moment that students are making decisions about their future, which can influence whether a student enrolls, persists, and ultimately graduates while addressing basic needs.”
For students already benefiting from the program, the scholarship funds can help ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education.
“The funds I received from CalKIDS helped take care of funds I owed to my school for my dorm housing, so it was greatly appreciated,” said Sereen Evans, a CalKIDS recipient and student at Taft College.
Checking eligibility and claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship takes only a few minutes. Students need their Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), which can typically be found on a school report card or transcript, or obtained through a school counselor.
Once they have their SSID, students and families can visit CalKIDS.org to check eligibility and, if eligible, follow the steps to claim their scholarship funds.
