More than $2.4 billion invested, 1 million-plus accounts claimed and $117.8 million distributed for college and career training
SACRAMENTO, CA. — Four years after its statewide launch in Summer 2022, the CalKIDS Program is marking its anniversary with more than 6.1 million California children holding scholarships backed by more than $2.4 billion in public investment for college and career training.
For students who have reached post-secondary education, those scholarships are already providing financial support. As of Oct. 1, more than $117.8 million in CalKIDS Scholarship funds have been distributed to help pay for qualified education expenses, including tuition and fees, books and supplies, computer equipment and other eligible costs.
Participation has grown alongside the program’s reach. More than 1 million CalKIDS Scholarship Accounts have now been claimed, 54% increase from September 2025, as more families learn about and access scholarships already established for their children.
“The CalKIDS Scholarship was easy to get, and the first one that I knew was guaranteed,” said Lynnece Valencia, a student at San José State University. “I can imagine how many other people are in a place similar to mine, and how much hope a scholarship like this can give hope for plans for a prosperous future to come.”
CalKIDS is administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, chaired by State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, and is part of her Financial Security for All initiative. As the nation’s largest statewide child development account program, CalKIDS provides scholarships worth up to $1,500 to more than 60% of California public school students, and every child born in California on or after July 1, 2022, receives a scholarship worth up to $175.
“California has built something worth celebrating and something other states can learn from,” said Treasurer Ma. “By pairing a historic public investment with strong programs, partnerships, data, and outreach, we have created a model for how states can help children and families save, build assets, and plan for the future. Looking ahead, our focus is clear. Increase awareness, help more families claim their accounts, and connect every eligible child with the resources available to support their future.”
The fourth anniversary comes on the heels of the first CalKIDS Scholarship Month, a statewide September initiative that helped drive an 18% increase in overall CalKIDS Account claims, compared with August. Throughout the month, CalKIDS worked with county offices of education, school districts and community partners across California to bring scholarship information and claiming support directly to school communities.
Partnerships have played a central role in expanding CalKIDS’ reach. Since 2022, the program has engaged nearly 1,700 organizations, including county offices of education, school districts, public agencies, nonprofit and community-based organizations, and birthing centers. CalKIDS is also working with partners including the California Student Aid Commission, California’s Cradle-to-Career Data System and higher education institutions to connect more students with their scholarships through the education and financial aid systems they already use.
“By starting these conversations early, we can help more students see that higher education and career training are within reach and that investing in their future can begin today,” said Loretta Whitson, founder and executive director of the California Association of School Counselors.
As CalKIDS works toward its next milestone of 2 million claimed accounts, the program is calling on partners statewide to become CalKIDS Champions by sharing scholarship information with families, incorporating CalKIDS into existing outreach efforts and hosting scholarship claiming events to help more eligible students access their funds.
CalKIDS Scholarship Accounts are automatically established for eligible children and students, but the accounts must be claimed. Scholarships can be used from ages 17 to 26 to cover eligible education expenses at colleges, universities, community colleges, career technical education programs and vocational schools nationwide.
Families can check eligibility and claim an account at CalKIDS.org using the student’s Statewide Student Identifier or, for newborn participants, the child’s Local Registration Number.
###About CalKIDS: The California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS) is the nation’s largest statewide child development account program, providing scholarships for higher education. Administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, and Chaired by State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, 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.
