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In the Sacramento region, over 122,000 students across Sacramento’s school districts are eligible for CalKIDS Scholarships
When Adiba H., a mother living in Elk Grove, first heard about the CalKIDS Program, she wasn’t sure what to expect. But claiming her daughter’s CalKIDS Scholarship turned out to be easier than she imagined.
“I think it’s amazing,” Adiba said after securing $600 for her 11-year-old daughter’s future education. “I was shocked about how easy it was. It took me less than two minutes. It is nice to know that my daughter will have some money for college. As a parent, I’m letting everyone know — all my family members — that they could claim their CalKIDS Accounts too.”ccounts too.”
Adiba’s experience highlights the opportunity available to thousands of Sacramento families through CalKIDS, the nation’s largest child development account program. CalKIDS, administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board and chaired by State Treasurer Fiona Ma, is the nation’s largest child development account program. Launched by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2022, the CalKIDS program invests $1.9 billion into accounts for low-income school-age children in grades 1-12 and children born on or after July 1, 2022. It provides eligible public school students in California with up to $1,500 to pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and computer equipment at accredited colleges, universities, trade schools, and vocational programs across the nation.
The funds can be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and even computer equipment at accredited colleges, universities, trade schools, and vocational programs across the country.
To help families, the Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC) is partnering with 16 community-based organizations across Sacramento. These trusted organizations are working on the ground to raise awareness about CalKIDS, helping families understand their eligibility, and assisting them in navigating the simple steps to claim their scholarships.
“Every kid in California deserves a shot at success and the opportunity to build generational wealth,” said Governor Newsom. “With up to $1,500 per student, CalKIDS is investing in our students, our state, and our future.”
In Sacramento County alone, over 122,000 students are eligible for CalKIDS Scholarships. There is an opportunity for each of these students to claim their scholarships, giving them a reason to believe in their path to higher education. The breakdown includes:
- Elk Grove Unified: 28,783 eligible
- Sacramento City Unified: 27,908 eligible
- Twin Rivers Unified: 26,937 eligible
- San Juan Unified: 24,135 eligible
- Natomas Unified: 8,022 eligible
- Folsom-Cordova Unified: 6,329 eligible
“CalKIDS is an incredible resource for Sacramento families,” said State Treasurer Fiona Ma. “Claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship is the easiest step students can take on their path to higher education, whether that means college, trade school, or vocational training. This investment is designed to support students, especially those from historically underserved communities,” said Treasurer Ma as she urges families to act now.
Claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship is quick and easy. Families need only the student’s Statewide Student Identifier (SSID)—a 10-digit number available from their school—to check eligibility at CalKIDS.org and claim their account.
Research shows that students with even minimal savings for college are three times more likely to attend college and four times more likely to graduate.
“CalKIDS Scholarships are more than financial assistance — they’re an investment in students’ dreams,” said Cassandra DiBenedetto, Executive Director of the ScholarShare Investment Board.
With college acceptance and financial aid deadlines approaching, Sacramento families are encouraged to visit CalKIDS.org today, claim their scholarship accounts, and take a meaningful step toward a brighter future for their children.