CalKIDS / ScholarShare

The State of California recently launched the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS) to help as many California children prepare financially for a postsecondary education.  CalKIDS provides all newborns up to $100, and eligible low-income public school students enrolled in first through 12th grade up to $1,500, to start saving for college and career training.  Families are encouraged to build on this investment by opening and contributing to their own account with ScholarShare 529, California's official 529 college savings plan.

To access their CalKIDS account, eligible newborns and low-income students or their parents will need to register at www.calkids.org, which requires key information, including the child's Local Registration Number (LRN) or Statewide Student Identifier (SSID) or a unique code included in a notification letter that the family has received or will be receiving soon.  When ready, CalkIDS funds can be used for expenses such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, and certain room and board costs.