As part of the 2025–26 California State Budget, public schools are now required to inform students and families about the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS) after completing their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA). This new mandate aims to better connect students to available financial aid like a CalKIDS Scholarship for college or career training expenses.
CalKIDS is a statewide scholarship program that provides eligible public school students with up to $1,500 for higher education, and newborns born in California on or after July 1, 2022, with up to $175. Funded by the State of California and administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, the program promotes college and career readiness for children and students from cradle to career. While CalKIDS spans across grade levels, the change in state law uniquely positions our high school seniors to be better prepared financially for their postsecondary journey.
“CalKIDS was created to reduce financial barriers to higher education for families across California,” said State Treasurer Fiona Ma, chair of the ScholarShare Investment Board. “This new requirement is an opportunity for schools to directly connect students and families with funding that is already set aside for them; they simply need to visit CalKIDS.org and claim it.”
“This new requirement is more than a policy change – it’s an opportunity,” said Alberto M. Carvalho, Superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District. “By ensuring that families are informed about CalKIDS Scholarships, we’re helping unlock college savings that have already been set aside for our students. Every notification is a step toward a future where more of our students can see college not as a dream, but as a real and reachable goal.”
Over 5 million children and students in California are eligible for CalKIDS Scholarships, with 60% of all public-school students in California eligible for a scholarship worth up to $1,500. The state offers that 100% of children born in California on or after July 1, 2022 can claim a CalKIDS Scholarship worth up to $175.
CalKIDS is a $2 billion public investment in California’s students and their aspirations. Research shows that children with modest savings are 3x more likely to attend college and 4x more likely to graduate. CalKIDS helps jumpstart that opportunity.
For more information on eligibility, scholarship amounts, and how to claim a CalKIDS Scholarship Account, visit CalKIDS.org.
