Fewer than 20% of eligible students in LA County have claimed funds from the state’s CalKIDS scholarship program, designed to support higher education costs for low-income students.
According to the California Student Aid Commission (SIB), about 1.1 million public school students are eligible in LA County, but less than 20% have actually claimed their accounts. For newborns, the claim rate is even lower at about 11%.
About 71% of public school students in grades 2 through 12 in LA County qualify, representing a total of $489 million in available financial aid. However, many beneficiaries are unaware of the program and fail to apply.
Cassandra DiBenedetto, executive director of SIB, explained that some parents realize accounts have already been created but do not feel an urgent need to claim them right away.
Launched in 2022, CalKIDS sets up investment accounts with state-funded contributions for eligible children and students to use for college or vocational training. Children born on or after July 1, 2022, can receive up to $175, while qualified public school students can receive up to $1,500.
For students, low-income students or English learners identified under the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) are eligible for a base award of $500. Foster youth and homeless students can receive an additional $500 each. Although student accounts are automatically opened, families must go through a claim process to access the funds.
To boost participation, the state designated September as Scholarship Month, collaborating with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and other county offices of education to encourage account claims.
The CalKIDS program can be applied for online. By visiting the official website (calkids.org), selecting ‘Confirm Eligibility’, and entering a 10-digit Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), families can check if they qualify. Once verified, additional information such as date of birth and county can be entered to claim the account.
Funds can be used for tuition, fees, required books, and computer equipment, and must be utilized before the beneficiary turns 26.
Inquiries: (888) 445-2377
