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Local students encouraged to claim CalKIDS funds before March 2 deadline
calkids
A CalKIDS representative speaks with an attendee during an outreach event, where students and families learned how to check their eligibility and claim scholarship funds ahead of the March 2 FAFSA and California Dream Act Application deadline. - photo by Photo Contributed

With the March 2 priority deadline for the FAFSA and California Dream Act Application approaching, education officials are urging high school seniors in Stanislaus and Merced counties to check whether they qualify for CalKIDS scholarships that can help pay for college or career training.

More than $38 million in CalKIDS funds are available to students in Stanislaus County, while Merced County students have access to more than $24 million, according to program administrators. The scholarships do not require essays, recommendation letters or a minimum GPA.

CalKIDS, administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board and chaired by State Treasurer Fiona Ma, is the nation’s largest child development account program. Eligible public school students can receive up to $1,500, which can be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies and computer equipment.

“CalKIDS was created to support students at moments when financial decisions can feel overwhelming,” Ma said in a statement. “Having scholarship support already in place can empower students and families to make confident financial choices as they plan for college or career training.”

Statewide, more than 60% of public school students in grades 2–12 are eligible for CalKIDS awards. Some college‑age students may also have unclaimed funds. To check eligibility, students need their Statewide Student Identifier, available from their school or through CaliforniaColleges.edu. Scholarships can be claimed online at CalKIDS.org.

For some students, the program has already made a direct impact. Emilio Jimenez‑Martinez, a UC Merced student, said the scholarship helped him cover a tuition balance he wasn’t sure how to pay. “I had to pay 500 dollars of tuition and I didn't know where it would come from till I remembered I had a CalKIDS Account,” he said.

Schools across California are now required to share CalKIDS information with students who complete the FAFSA or CADAA. Through a partnership with the California Student Aid Commission, students can also view their CalKIDS eligibility through the WebGrants 4 Students portal.

“We are grateful to CalKIDS for this partnership,” said Dr. Daisy Gonzales, the commission’s executive director. “Utilizing the power of data sharing across state agencies, we can close information siloes… CalKIDS is the missing link when we seek to promote educational equity in our state.”

More than $50 million in CalKIDS scholarships have already been used at colleges and universities statewide.

For eligibility details or to claim a scholarship, visit CalKIDS.org.