SACRAMENTO, CA — CalKIDS, California’s landmark scholarship program for college and career training, awarded laptops to eight families across Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Sacramento as part of a statewide initiative to expand access to essential learning tools and increase awareness of the CalKIDS Scholarship Accounts available to more than 5 million children.
The giveaways, conducted in partnership with community-trusted Audacy radio stations, were designed to reach families where they already spend their time and to help bridge the digital divide that continues to impact students across the state. Today, a reliable laptop is more than a convenience; students need one to complete basic school assignments, apply to colleges, explore career and technical education programs, and access the digital tools that support long-term academic success.
For many families, the impact has been immediate. One Sacramento parent shared that the new laptop will support all three of her sons, who are required to use a computer for school. Until now, the family relied solely on rented devices and had never been able to purchase one of their own. She said they were incredibly grateful to finally have a laptop at home, one that will ease the stress of keeping up with schoolwork.
Families in other regions expressed similar relief. From San Francisco, one winner shared: “The Chromebook will be given to my 13-year-old nephew. His computer just broke down. Perfect timing! Thank you to 102 Jams and CalKIDS!”
“The path to higher education starts with access, and when families learn about CalKIDS and receive tools like laptops, it becomes easier to take that first step,” said Cassandra DiBenedetto, Executive Director, ScholarShare Investment Board. “These efforts are about removing barriers, increasing awareness, and making sure every family knows that California is investing in their children’s futures.”
As CalKIDS continues its statewide outreach, the program is working with trusted partners including schools, community-based organizations, and hospitals to remind families that millions of dollars in CalKIDS Scholarships are still available to claim. The laptop giveaway is one of several recent initiatives helping families learn about the program, plan early for higher education, and access the tools that support their children’s success.
CalKIDS is a statewide initiative funded by the State of California and administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board to expand access to higher education. As the largest child development account program in the nation, CalKIDS provides automatic scholarships that give families a simple and meaningful first step toward planning for college or career training.
California newborns born on or after July 1, 2022 automatically receive up to $175 in a CalKIDS Scholarship Account, and eligible public school students in grades 2 through 12 can receive up to $1,500 to help offset the cost of higher education.
CalKIDS Scholarships can be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, computer equipment, and other qualifying expenses at accredited colleges, universities, community colleges, and career training programs across the country. For many families, these funds represent an important early investment that makes planning for higher education more attainable.
Families are encouraged to learn more, check eligibility, and claim their child’s CalKIDS Scholarship by visiting CalKIDS.org.
