San Diego County families can now claim their share of $158 million in CalKIDS Scholarships

Now is the time for San Diego County students and families to jumpstart their year with CalKIDS, California’s landmark scholarship program for college and career training. More than half of all public school students from San Diego County are eligible for up to $1,500 in CalKIDS Scholarships, part of a $158 million investment already allocated to students in the region, according to a news release.

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, the news release stated.

“Back-to-school is the perfect time to claim your CalKIDS Scholarship!” said Fiona Ma, CPA, California State treasurer, in the news release. “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 San Diego CountyFifty-five percent of San Diego County 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, the news release stated.

How CalKIDS worksCalKIDS 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.

“It helped me out tremendously. I wish there were more programs to help students who are trying to beat the odds and stay in college. It has meant a lot to me,” said Marquis Lewis, CalKIDS recipient and student from San Diego State University, in the news release.

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

“I encourage fellow educational leaders to recognize CalKIDS as more than just a scholarship program—it’s a powerful tool for community transformation,” shared Dr. Fabi Bagula, superintendent of San Diego Unified School District, in the news release. “By establishing regular claiming events as we’ve done with our Money Festivals, you create tangible opportunities to demonstrate your commitment to students’ futures beyond graduation.”

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 San Diego County students and families to do the same and take an important step toward their future, according to the news release.

To learn more or claim a CalKIDS Scholarship, visit CalKIDS.org.