CalKIDS is California’s free scholarship-account programme: eligible public-school students have up to $1,500 waiting for them, and every baby born in California since July 1, 2022 automatically has an account worth up to $175. The money is already set aside by the state — students only need to claim their account at calkids.org, and the funds can be used for college or career training between the ages of 17 and 26.
Calkids Scholarship 2027 Quick Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Topic type | Scholarship program |
| Run by | ScholarShare Investment Board (California State Treasurer’s Office) |
| Best for | California public-school students identified as low-income or English learners — with extra amounts for foster youth and homeless youth — and every child born in California on or after July 1, 2022 |
| Amount | Up to $1,500 for eligible public-school students ($500 base, plus $500 for foster youth and $500 for homeless youth); up to $175 for newborns, including claim and linking bonuses |
| Deadline | None — CalKIDS accounts are claimed, not applied for, so there is no application deadline |
| Official source | Open official page |
Who Is Eligible for CalKIDS?
CalKIDS is a California state programme, run by the ScholarShare Investment Board in the California State Treasurer’s Office, that opens scholarship savings accounts for eligible children and public-school students. Eligible public-school students — those identified as low-income or English learners — receive $500, with an extra $500 for foster youth and an extra $500 for homeless youth, up to $1,500 in total. Every child born in California on or after July 1, 2022 automatically has a CalKIDS account worth up to $175, including bonuses of $25 for claiming the account and $50 for linking a ScholarShare 529 account.
More than 1 million CalKIDS accounts have already been claimed, and more than 6 million accounts have been funded with about $2.3 billion.
How to Claim a CalKIDS Account
- Go to calkids.org. There is no application and no deadline — CalKIDS accounts are claimed, not applied for.
- Claim a public-school student’s account with the student’s Statewide Student Identifier (SSID).
- For a newborn, claim with the Local Registration Number on the birth certificate.
- Use the funds between the ages of 17 and 26 for tuition, fees, books, supplies and computer equipment at accredited colleges, universities and career-training programmes.
What You Need to Claim
You only need the student’s Statewide Student Identifier (SSID) to claim a public-school student’s account at calkids.org. For a child born in California on or after July 1, 2022, use the Local Registration Number from the birth certificate. No application form, essay or recommendation letters are required.
Official Link
Use the official source here: Calkids Scholarship 2027 official page. Check it before applying because scholarship dates, award amounts, and requirements can change.
Related reading: Compare Grand Canyon University tuition costs, and browse more scholarships in California.
FAQ
What is the CalKIDS scholarship?
CalKIDS is a California state programme that opens scholarship savings accounts for eligible children and public-school students to help pay for higher education or career training.
How much money is in a CalKIDS account?
Eligible public-school students can receive up to $1,500 ($500 base, plus $500 for foster youth and $500 for homeless youth). Newborns receive up to $175 including claim and linking bonuses.
Who is eligible for CalKIDS?
California public-school students identified as low-income or English learners (with extra amounts for foster and homeless youth), and every child born in California on or after July 1, 2022.
How do I claim a CalKIDS account?
Go to calkids.org and claim with the student’s Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), or for newborns the Local Registration Number on the birth certificate. There is no deadline to claim.
What can CalKIDS money be used for?
Tuition, fees, books, supplies and computer equipment at accredited colleges, universities and career-training programmes, between the ages of 17 and 26.
Current-cycle verification: Some dates, eligibility details, or examples in this article may refer to an earlier cycle. Confirm the current award, requirements, deadline, and application process on the official provider website before applying.