With just one month left until graduation, eligible Los Angeles County high school seniors still have time to claim up to $1,500 in scholarship funds to pay for college, trade school or other education expenses.
The scholarship is administered through the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program under the State Treasurer’s Office. This is an account program that was created in 2022 to make it easier for students and families to afford higher education and other career programs.
“These scholarships send a powerful message to families across our state: We believe in our youth, we are investing in their future, and we want every student to know that college or career training is within reach,” California State Treasurer Fiona Ma said in a statement.
Unlike many other scholarships, students are eligible for funding without submitting an essay, meeting a minimum GPA, or providing letters of recommendation.
In Los Angeles County, approximately 68% of public high school students are eligible for the scholarship, according to program officials, with more than $465 million in financial aid available nationwide.
Eligible public school students can receive a one-time scholarship of up to $1,500, while children born in California on or after July 1, 2022 can qualify for scholarship funds of up to $175, which they can receive when they reach college age.
Here’s how public school seniors can check their eligibility and sign up to claim their scholarship funds.
What makes a student eligible for a scholarship?
Scholarship funds are available to children born in California on or after July 1, 2022, when they turn 17 and enrolled at an accredited institution, or to students who are already enrolled in high school and preparing to attend college or trade school.
For more information about eligibility for newborns and young children, visit calkids website.
Scholarship eligibility for high school students is determined by the California Department of Education.
To be considered for eligibility a student must:
- Nominations are due on the first Wednesday of October, according to state Department;
- Identify as an English learner or low-income student by the state local control funding formula (for assistance with this identification, contact your student’s school);
- Be enrolled in Grade 1 or higher during the 2021-2022 academic year;
- and are enrolled in Grade 1 during the 2022-23 academic year and every school year thereafter, with the ability to claim their account when they reach Grade 2 or later.
Scholarship Award Amount for Students
A $500 scholarship will be awarded to deserving students.
Additional scholarship funds are available for:
- Students identified as foster youth will have an additional $500 one-time contribution deposited into their account.
- Students identified as homeless will have an additional one-time contribution of $500 deposited into their account.
How to check the eligibility of a student
Students and families can check eligibility online by visiting calkids website And follow the signs of “eligibility tool”
To confirm eligibility, a student needs a “Statewide Student Identifier” or SSID number, which is typically found on report cards, transcripts, or the student’s school portal. For assistance in locating the SSID, contact the student’s school directly.
How to Claim a CalKIDS Scholarship Account
To claim a CalKIDS scholarship account, students must:
- The name of the county where the student attended school during the academic years 2021 through 2024. For a complete chart by academic year by grade and date, go here. calkids website;
- their date of birth;
- A statewide student identifier number.
How to access scholarship funds
Available scholarship amounts can be accessed by logging into the CalKIDS website.
Students age 17 or older may request disbursement of funds while enrolled in courses at an accredited institution that accepts federal student aid. This is where funds will be sent to cover qualifying expenses.
What can scholarship funds be used for?
Once awarded, the scholarship amount can be used for:
- Tution;
- Books;
- classroom supplies;
- computer equipment;
- and certain housing costs at accredited colleges, universities, trade schools and vocational programs.
