California is putting education first — right from birth. Every baby born in the state on or after July 1, 2022, automatically has a CalKIDS scholarship account waiting in their name, including more than $8 million in scholarship funds set aside for children in San Diego County.
Through the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS), newborns and young children receive an initial investment in their future education — up to $175 for babies born July 1, 2023, or later, including:
•$100 for being born in California ($25 for those born between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023)
•$25 extra when parents claim the account online.
•$50 extra for linking the account to a ScholarShare 529 College Savings Plan
That’s up to $175 already invested in a child’s future, long before applications, essays, or financial aid forms come into play.
CalKIDS is the nation’s largest child development account program, designed to support college and career training. The program also creates accounts for about 60% of public-school students in California, with amounts ranging from $500 to $1,500.
What makes CalKIDS different from other college savings or scholarship programs is that it’s automatic — the state opens the account for every eligible child, so families only need to claim it.
Cassandra DiBenedetto, executive director of the ScholarShare Investment Board, emphasizes the program’s impact.
“It’s a powerful message that each child, regardless of their background, has an opportunity to pursue college or career training later on. CalKIDS has already demonstrated statewide that more families are building a college-going identity and are saving on their own for higher education. San Diego families have an opportunity here to build on that statewide momentum.”
Families are typically notified by mail a few weeks after their child’s birth is registered with the state. The letter includes details on how to access the account, along with a unique code to register online. If the letter is missing, parents can use a number from the child’s birth certificate to claim the account.
“CalKIDS is a newer program, and we’re grateful to hospitals and community organizations who are helping promote the program to new parents. The claiming process is super simple once families have the letter or their birth certificate in hand. We know more families will take advantage as this program grows over time,” DiBenedetto said.
Claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship is free and fast at CalKIDS.org. Parents just need the county where the child was born, the child’s date of birth, and either the 13-digit Local Registration Number from the birth certificate or the unique CalKIDS code mailed to their home. Once claimed, families can log in at any time to view balances, link a ScholarShare 529 Account, and see how funds can be used. Eligible expenses include tuition, books and supplies, and computer equipment at accredited higher education institutions nationwide.
Starting at birth ensures that every child — regardless of income, zip code, or family background — has a stake in their educational future from day one.
“It helps build college-going mindsets and encourages families to start planning in the long run. Research shows that children with funds set aside in their name are more likely to attend college, and their families feel more confident in their educational pursuits,” DiBenedetto said.
Even small savings can have a big impact, DiBenedetto said, and
“When money is set aside, it creates a college-bound identity, helping students and their families stay on track for long-term planning. It’s not only an initial scholarship, but also a confidence-builder in their potential opportunities.”
Families can learn more and claim their baby’s first scholarship at CalKIDS.org today or call 1-866-529-2228.
