MONTEREY COUNTY — Now that the new school year is in full swing, it’s the perfect time for Monterey County students and families to jumpstart their year with CalKIDS, California’s landmark scholarship program for college and career training.
More than 3-in-4 public school students from Monterey County are eligible for up to $1,500 in CalKIDS Scholarships, part of a $37 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.”
In Monterey County, 77% of 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.
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.
“It was very helpful because I no longer had to borrow from my parents and I could buy things that I needed to do my homework, like pencils and notebooks,” said Jocelyn Tienda Navarro, CalKIDS recipient and student from Hartnell College. “When I found out that I had money in my account, it was a relief because I no longer had money for transportation to go to school.”
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 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.
“Monterey County Office of Education has seen firsthand how CalKIDS is giving parents and families a powerful way to invest in their children’s futures. For many students, even a few hundred dollars can open doors and create opportunities that once felt out of reach,” shared Deneen Guss, Monterey County Superintendent of Schools. “But CalKIDS is more than just a savings account; it has sparked important conversations about financial literacy, empowered families to plan for the future, and reminded students that their dreams and aspirations matter. This program has truly been transformative for our community, inspiring hope and creating lasting impact in the lives of children and families alike.”
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 Monterey County 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.
