Merced, CA (September 11, 2025) — Now that the new school year is in full swing, it’s the perfect time for Merced County students and families to jumpstart their year with CalKIDS, California’s landmark scholarship program for college and career training. Approximately, 4 in 5 public school students from Merced County are eligible for up to $1,500 in CalKIDS Scholarships, part of a $27 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 Merced County
80% of Merced 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.
“It has helped my family and I in many ways, $500 can go a long way especially for a first year university student,” said Ariel Ocampo, CalKIDS Recipient, and Student from the University of California, Merced.
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 Merced 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.
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About CalKIDS: The California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS) is the nation’s largest child development account program, providing scholarships for higher education. Administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, and Chaired by State Treasurer Fiona Ma, the program is designed to promote the pursuit of higher education statewide by empowering families to build assets, nurture savings habits, and raise their educational aspirations. Eligible public school students can receive CalKIDS Scholarships worth up to $1,500 and every child born in California on or after July 1, 2022, is awarded a CalKIDS Scholarship worth up to $175, ensuring more families have the resources needed to support their children’s education. To learn more, visit CalKIDS.org.
