CalKids

The California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS) was created to help more children save for their future education. Launched by the State of California in 2022, CalKIDS provides an initial seed deposit and other financial incentives to eligible children. These funds are automatically invested through the ScholarShare 529 Plan, which grows over time to support higher education expenses. CalKIDS accounts are designed to be flexible, and participants can use the funds at any point before they turn 26 years old.

Eligibility and Award Amounts

Student eligibility is determined by the California Department of Education (CDE). To be considered for eligibility, a student must have  been enrolled on Fall Census Day and must also be identified as an English learner or low-income by the Local Control Funding Formula.

There are two groups of California public school students who may be eligible to claim a CalKIDS Scholarship:

  • Students enrolled in grades 1-12 during the 2021-2022 academic year.
  • Students enrolled in 1st grade during the 2022-2023 academic year.  

Confirm your eligibility and claim your account on the CalKIDS website.

CalKids $500 to $1500 for College

How to Request Your CalKIDS Distribution

  1. Go to the CalKIDS Online Portal
  2. Your name will populate in the  Account  section of the Request Distribution page.
  3. You can select to request a partial amount or the total amount available in your account.
  4. Distributions from a CalKIDS account will be sent directly to the institution of higher education you are currently attending.
    • Enter your Institution name: California State University Bakersfield or Federal School Code: 007993
  5. Next, enter your 9 digit Student ID Number. This step is VERY important; if you do not complete the student ID section, your distribution payment may be delayed.
  6. In the Check Memo section, you can enter the semester when you want the funds to disburse (i.e.: Spring 2026). If you do not enter a semester, the Scholarship Office will use their professional judgement to select the best semester when to apply the funds to your financial aid account.