BY VIVIENNE AGUILAR
CV Journalism Collaborative
Hundreds of thousands of children and recent college graduates in the area have money waiting to be claimed through the CalKIDS program.
In Merced County, approximately 77% of public high school students are eligible for CalKIDS scholarships worth up to $1,500, with more than $23 million available countywide. In neighboring Stanislaus County, more than 23,000 scholarship accounts remain unclaimed, totaling more than $38 million in available funds.
CalKIDS, administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board under the California State Treasurer’s Office, provides scholarships to eligible California public school students to help pay for college or career training. Funds can be used at accredited colleges, universities, community colleges, trade schools and vocational programs for qualified expenses, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, certain room and board, and computer equipment. Students or their parents must claim their CalKIDS Scholarship Account before using the funds.
“CalKIDS represents California’s investment in the promise and potential of our students,” State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, said in a statement. “These scholarships send a powerful message to families across our state: we believe in our young people, we are investing in their future, and we want every student to know that college or career training is within reach.”
The program is also expanding outreach through a partnership with the California Student Aid Commission. School counselors can now use the WebGrants 4 Students portal to identify eligible students in grades 9–12 and provide direct support.
“This innovative partnership is transforming how millions of California students access the resources that make college possible,” said Dr. Daisy Gonzales, CSAC executive director. “We’re removing barriers at the exact moment that students are making decisions about their future.”
For many students, the support has already made a difference. Benjamin Gonalez Campos, a CalKIDS scholarship recipient and UC Merced student, said the funds helped him upgrade his computer and purchase books. “From that moment on, I loved the CalKIDS program,” he said.
Eligibility varies by age and income. Children born in California on or after July 1, 2022 automatically receive an at‑birth award with no income requirements. School‑aged children born before that date may qualify if they meet low‑income criteria or are English‑language learners. In Stanislaus County, about 69% of public high school students are eligible for scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,500.
Recent high school graduates can access their funds immediately and have until age 26 to claim them. There is no deadline to open or access a CalKIDS Scholarship Account.
The ScholarShare Investment Board is currently proposing regulatory updates, including changes to terminology used in the distribution process. Public comment on the proposed modifications is open through July 9, 2026.
Students and families can check eligibility using the student’s Statewide Student Identifier, typically found on report cards or transcripts, or by contacting a school counselor. Eligibility and account information are available at CalKIDS.org.
The Westside Connect contributed to this report.
