🎓 Free Money for College

Planning for college can seem daunting and expensive!  As part of our commitment to supporting every student and their goals, present and future, we are excited to share that starting this school year, all school districts and charter schools in California are required to inform families about the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS), as outlined in Education Code § 51225.7(b)(2).

Does your student meets one of the requirements below? If so, they may qualify for the CalKIDS Savings Plan:

• Is receiving meals through the National School Lunch Program
• Submitted an Alternative Household Income Form
• Participated in CalFresh, CalWORKDS, FDPIR (Food Distribution on Indian Reservations), of Medi-Cal
• Was designated as an English Learner
• Was designated as a migratory, homeless or a foster youth 

💰 What Is CalKIDS?

CalKIDS is a state-funded program that provides college savings accounts and potential scholarships. Eligible California students and newborns can receive up to $1,500 to help pay for college or career training. This program was created to make college more accessible and affordable for California students.

CalKIDS provides funds that can be used at accredited institutions across the country.  Whatever your student’s post-graduation goals are, CalKIDS money can be used at community colleges, universities, vocational and professional schools, as well as for books, supplies, room and board, and computer equipment.

🧒 Who Is Eligible?

Public School Students

• Automatically awarded $500 if they:
  • Were in 1st–12th grade during the 2021–22 school year
  • Were enrolled in 1st grade during 2022–23 school year
  • Are 1st graders in subsequent years
• Additional $500 for foster youth
• Additional $500 for students classified as homeless

Certain California students may be eligible to receive up to $1,500 for future education expenses through the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS).

📝 How to Claim Your Child’s Account

1. Visit CalKIDS.org/get-started
2. Enter your child’s Statewide Student Identifier (SSID) — a 10-digit number found on transcripts
3. Register to access your account
4. Funds can be claimed until age 26

Checking eligibility is quick and easy.  To find out if your child is eligible and to learn more about how the program works, please visit the official CalKIDS website at CalKIDS.org. 

📣 Why It Matters

✅ Largest college savings program in the U.S. 

✅ Supports low-income families, English learners, foster youth, and homeless students 

✅ Helps make college and career training more affordable

We encourage you to explore this opportunity and take advantage of the resources available to help your child achieve their post-graduation goals!

🔍 Learn More

Visit CalKIDS.org to: 

🔹 Check eligibility 

🔹 Claim your child’s account 

🔹 Access multilingual resources and toolkits

One of the most rewarding things about homeschooling is helping our children visualize and achieve their goals. Some goals are small and accomplished easily, while others take more planning.  Sequoia Grove Charter Alliance is committed to helping you help your students succeed in school and life!