CalKIDS News
: California has dedicated more than $7.9 million in CalKIDS Scholarship funds for over 95,000 babies and young children born in San Bernardino County
San Bernardino, CA – Over 95,000 children born in San Bernardino County since July 1, 2022, have been awarded their first scholarship through CalKIDS, with more than $7.9 million in scholarship funds awarded to local children. Each CalKIDS Scholarship Account is worth up to $175 and is automatically awarded at birth. Parents and guardians simply need to claim the scholarship to access and manage the account.
CalKIDS is the nation’s largest statewide child development account program, providing scholarships for college and training to children across California. Administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, under the California State Treasurer’s Office, the program awards scholarships to every child born in California and to eligible public school students, helping families begin planning for college and career training early.
Some of the very first babies to receive CalKIDS Scholarships are now entering school with up to $175 already set aside for college or career training. Approximately 70,000 children born in California during July and August 2022 are part of this year’s transitional kindergarten age group, beginning their educational journey with a scholarship established for their future.
“Every child deserves to know that California is investing in their future from the very beginning,” said California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, chair of the ScholarShare Investment Board. “Through CalKIDS, we have turned that commitment into something tangible: a scholarship waiting for every child born in our state. As the first generation of CalKIDS babies begins entering classrooms, they are taking their first steps in an educational journey that California began investing in before they could even walk. That is the power of starting early: giving children a foundation for opportunity and families the confidence to dream bigger about what their futures can hold.”
“Our hope is that a CalKIDS Scholarship gives families something meaningful to build on from the very beginning,” said Cassandra DiBenedetto, Executive Director of the ScholarShare Investment Board. “Parents can start planning and saving earlier, while helping their child grow up knowing there is already an investment in their education, dreams and future.”
For Karlie Samboa, a CalKIDS parent, learning about her daughter’s scholarship provided more than financial support. It inspired her to take additional steps to save for her daughter’s future.
“When I learned about the CalKIDS Scholarship, I was grateful because it was one less financial burden to worry about. It also encouraged me to think even more seriously about saving for my daughter’s education through programs like ScholarShare 529,” Samboa said. “Knowing that California is investing in children’s futures gives parents like me hope and reassurance that we are not alone.”
CalKIDS Scholarships for newborns can be worth up to $175 when families claim their account online and link it to ScholarShare 529, California’s official college savings plan, giving parents an opportunity to build on their child’s first scholarship from the start.
CalKIDS funds can be used at eligible institutions nationwide for tuition and fees, books and supplies, and computer equipment.
Parents and guardians can claim their child’s scholarship at CalKIDS.org using the child’s county and date of birth, along with either the 13-digit Local Registration Number found on the birth certificate or the CalKIDS code included in the letter mailed to the family informing them of their child’s account. Accounts may take up to 90 days after birth to become available.
