Now that the new school year is in full swing, it’s the perfect time for Riverside and San Bernardino County students and families to jumpstart their year with CalKIDS, California’s landmark scholarship program for college and career training. More than 7 in 10 public school students from the Inland Empire are eligible for up to $1,500 in CalKIDS Scholarships, part of a $354 million investment already allocated to students in the region.
Launched in 2022 by the State of California and administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board (SIB), CalKIDS expands access to higher education by creating scholarship accounts for eligible students, offering families a simple and meaningful first step toward their child’s future education.
“Back-to-school is the perfect time to claim your CalKIDS Scholarship!” said Fiona Ma, CPA, California State Treasurer. “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.”
Who’s Eligible from the Inland Empire
More than 74% of Inland Empire public school students in grades 2–12 are eligible for a $500 CalKIDS Scholarship. Students in foster care receive an additional $500, and students experiencing homelessness receive another $500, for a total scholarship worth up to $1,500.
How CalKIDS Works
CalKIDS Scholarships can be used 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.
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.
"Having a CalKIDS Account had helped me a lot," said Abigail Lopez, CalKIDS Recipient and Student from CSU San Bernardino. "I found out about it my first year of college and wanted to use it to pay my tuition, books, and housing. It relieved some stress I had about paying for things for school. I will forever be grateful for the money I had received from CalKIDS."
Research shows that children with even modest education savings are 3x more likely to attend college and 4x more likely to graduate. By claiming a CalKIDS Account, families are taking a powerful step toward building a path to higher education.
How to Claim a CalKIDS Scholarship
Claiming a scholarship is quick, easy, and can be done entirely online:
? Go to CalKIDS.org and click “Confirm Eligibility.”
? Enter your child’s Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), a 10-digit number which may be found on the student’s K-12 school portal, transcript, report card, or by contacting their school directly.
? If eligible, follow the 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.
“When regional and statewide agencies establish innovative partnerships focused on providing a competitive edge to future generations, every student in California stands to benefit,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez. “The stories yet to be told by the CalKIDS data over the next decade will reveal how the promise of funds to pay for college fundamentally changes the mindset about pursuing higher education.”
Now Is the Time
California recently passed legislation requiring schools to share information about CalKIDS as students complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA), ensuring that high school seniors are introduced to this important funding resource.
More than 630,000 students and families across California have already claimed their CalKIDS Scholarships. This school year is the perfect opportunity for Inland Empire students and families to do the same and take an important step toward their future.
To learn more or claim a CalKIDS Scholarship, visit CalKIDS.org.
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About CalKIDS: The California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS) is the nation’s largest child development account program, providing scholarships for higher education. Administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, and Chaired by State Treasurer Fiona Ma, the program is designed to promote the pursuit of higher education statewide by empowering families to build assets, nurture savings habits, and raise their educational aspirations. Eligible public school students can receive CalKIDS Scholarships worth up to $1,500 and every child born in California on or after July 1, 2022, is awarded a CalKIDS Scholarship worth up to $175, ensuring more families have the resources needed to support their children’s education. To learn more, visit CalKIDS.org.