San Diego Students: Unlock Up to $1,500 in CalKIDS Scholarships for Higher Education

San Diego County public school students have a significant opportunity to alleviate the costs of higher education through the CalKIDS Program. This statewide initiative, administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, provides eligible students with scholarships worth up to $1,500, facilitating their journey toward college or career training by reducing financial barriers. ([calkids.org](https://calkids.org))

 

In the past three years, over $148 million in CalKIDS Scholarships has been allocated to San Diego County public school students, offering crucial financial support for their educational pursuits. Notably, the CalKIDS Scholarship does not require essays, minimum GPA, or recommendation letters. Claiming a scholarship is straightforward and can be completed in minutes at CalKIDS.org. ([eastcountymagazine.org](https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/1-every-2-public-school-students-san-diego-eligible-calkids-scholarships))

 

State Treasurer Fiona Ma, chair of the ScholarShare Investment Board, emphasized the program's value: “CalKIDS is an incredible resource for San Diego County families. Claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship is the easiest step students can take on their path to higher education, and we want every eligible student to claim their scholarship account and take full advantage of this opportunity.” ([eastcountymagazine.org](https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/1-every-2-public-school-students-san-diego-eligible-calkids-scholarships))

 

Eligible students can utilize their CalKIDS Scholarship Accounts for various educational expenses, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, and computer equipment. Since 2022, approximately $1 billion in CalKIDS Scholarships have been made available to more than 2 million California public high school students. ([independent.com](https://www.independent.com/2025/03/07/for-immediate-release-over-2-million-ca-high-school-seniors-college-students-eligible-for-calkids-scholarships-worth-up-to-1500-for-college-or-career-training))

 

For students like Alessandra from UC San Diego, the CalKIDS Scholarship provided much-needed financial relief. She shared, “The funds helped me not feel like such a financial burden to my mom. The funds are part of the reason I’m not in debt right now.” ([eastcountymagazine.org](https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/1-every-2-public-school-students-san-diego-eligible-calkids-scholarships))

 

To raise awareness about this exceptional program in San Diego, the ScholarShare Investment Board has partnered with local high schools, school districts, community-based organizations, and financial aid directors at community colleges and universities. The San Diego Unified School District, for instance, has hosted multiple CalKIDS Money Festivals to assist families in accessing unclaimed college funds. The most recent festival took place on May 17, 2025, at Crawford High School, where over 300 students gained access to more than $150,000 in accounts opened through the program. ([sandiegounified.org](https://www.sandiegounified.org/about/newscenter/all_news/calKIDS_money_festival))

 

Claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship is quick and easy. Families need the student’s Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), a ten-digit number obtainable by contacting their school directly. Once they have the SSID, parents or students can visit CalKIDS.org to check eligibility and claim a scholarship account in just minutes. ([calkids.org](https://calkids.org))

 

The funds can be used at accredited colleges, universities, trade schools, and career programs across the country. Once enrolled in a higher education program, students can log into their CalKIDS Account to request a distribution directly to their school to cover qualifying educational expenses. ([calkids.org](https://calkids.org/))

 

Cassandra DiBenedetto, Executive Director, highlighted the program's impact: “Studies show that students with just $500 or less set aside for college are three times more likely to attend college and four times more likely to graduate. CalKIDS Accounts are more than financial assistance—they’re an investment in students’ futures, and we want to give every one of these students a reason to believe in their path to higher education.” ([independent.com](https://www.independent.com/2025/03/07/for-immediate-release-over-2-million-ca-high-school-seniors-college-students-eligible-for-calkids-scholarships-worth-up-to-1500-for-college-or-career-training))

 

With approximately 50% of San Diego County public school students eligible for a CalKIDS Scholarship, now is the time for students and families to check their eligibility and claim their scholarship account. For more information on eligibility, scholarship amounts, and how to claim a CalKIDS Scholarship Account, visit CalKIDS.org. ([eastcountymagazine.org](https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/1-every-2-public-school-students-san-diego-eligible-calkids-scholarships))