The new school year is underway, and CalKIDS is encouraging families to keep education at the forefront of their minds and utilize California’s landmark scholarship program.

CalKIDS expands access to higher education by helping families create scholarship accounts — offering a meaningful first step towards their child’s future education.

The program, launched by California in 2022, allocates money for higher education to eligible students, stored in an account until needed.

“These funds aren’t just dollars—they’re an investment in our children’s dreams and in California’s future. Every child deserves both the belief and the support to make their dreams real,” California State Treasurer, Fiona Ma said.

Students can use the money at accredited colleges, universities, community colleges, and career training programs across the country.

Eligible education-related expenses include tuition and fees, books and school supplies, and computer equipment.

Also, over time, CalKIDS Scholarship Account funds may earn extra money because they are set aside and invested until the student is ready for college or career training.

Eligibility in Fresno County

About three in four Fresno County public school students in grades 2-12 are eligible for up to $1,500 in CalKIDS Scholarships. This is part of a $90 million investment already allocated to the region.

CalKIDS offers $500 scholarships for low-income or English learner public school students. Additionally, youth in foster care receive an additional $500 and students experiencing homelessness receive another $500, totaling $1,500.

Fresno Unified will promote CalKIDS Scholarships this year, according to the Nancy Witrado, director of college readiness and counseling.

“Seeing students’ faces light up when they discover a CalKIDS Scholarship Account in their name reminds us that this program has the power to instill hope and transform lives,” she said.

Research shows that children with even modest education savings are three times more likely to attend college and four times more likely to graduate.

Students echo the importance of having these funds stored away and ready to use for higher education.

“I know a lot of people, including me, struggle with academic fees and other expenses for school, but CalKIDS has helped me quite a bit this semester and I am very thankful for it,” said Natali Silva Aguilera, a student at Fresno City College.

Parlier Unified has actively touted the scholarships program and is seeing the fruits of its labors.

“At Parlier Unified, we believe that early exposure to college savings programs like CalKIDS empowers our students and families to dream bigger and plan smarter.” said Superintendent Dr. Rafael Iniguez. “Being among the top districts in Fresno County for CalKIDS account activation is a testament to our commitment to building a college/career readiness culture, especially in rural communities like ours … and we’re excited about the new opportunities this will bring to our students’ futures.”

How to Claim CalKIDS Scholarship

CalKIDS makes claiming a scholarship quick and easy, done entirely online.

First, go here and click “Confirm Eligibility.” Then, enter the student’s Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), a 10-digit number typically on student’s school portal, transcript, or report card.

If eligible, follow prompts to “Claim Account.”

Once the scholarship account is claimed, funds can be used when the student enrolls in an accredited college, university, community college, or career training program.

More than 630,000 students across California have already claimed scholarships.