Now that the new school year is in full swing, it’s the perfect time for Ventura County students and families to jumpstart their year with CalKIDS, California’s landmark scholarship program for college and career training. More than half of all public-school students from Ventura County are eligible for up to $1,500 in CalKIDS Scholarships, part of a $44 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.”
Who’s Eligible from Ventura County
57% of Ventura County 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.
How CalKIDS Works
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 and Research shows that children with even modest education savings are 3x more likely to attend college and 4x 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.
“As students return to classrooms, it’s the perfect time to remind families about the CalKIDS Program and the promise it holds for our students’ futures,” said Dr. Jami Parsons, Deputy Executive Director of the California Association of School Counselors. “School counselors play a critical role in helping families plan for college and career training, and CalKIDS is a powerful tool to start that conversation early – especially for those who might not have seen higher education as an option before.”
Now Is the Time
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 Ventura 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.
