The Scholarship Already Waiting: CalKIDS Launches First Scholarship Month for Los Angeles County Students

What if the next big step toward college, trade school, or career training was already waiting for you?

For many Los Angeles County students and families, it may be. Approximately 71% of public-school students in grades 2–12 across the county are eligible for a CalKIDS Scholarship worth up to $1,500. Altogether, more than $489 million in scholarships are available to eligible students across Los Angeles County.

September is CalKIDS Scholarship Month

This September, CalKIDS is launching its first CalKIDS Scholarship Month—a statewide effort with county offices of education and school districts to help more students claim the scholarship accounts already available to them.

Participating schools will host on-campus claiming events where students and families can check eligibility and claim their CalKIDS Scholarship Accounts. Families can also check eligibility and claim online at CalKIDS.org.

Why claiming matters

CalKIDS was created to support pathways toward higher education by helping California families prepare for college, trade school, and career programs. The accounts can be used for qualified education expenses, including tuition and fees, required books and supplies, and computer equipment.

Unlike many scholarships, CalKIDS does not require students to write essays, meet a minimum GPA, or provide recommendation letters. Eligible families are automatically enrolled; claiming the account is the key next step.

A little money. A real signal.

A scholarship account is more than financial assistance. It is a reminder that a student’s future is worth investing in—and that college or career training can be part of the plan.

Students and families can visit CalKIDS.org to check eligibility and claim an account. CalKIDS leadership and student recipients are also available for interviews about the local impact of the program, how claiming events work, and what these funds can mean after high school.

Are you a CalKIDS recipient or attending a school hosting a claiming event? Teens Wanna Know would love to hear how you’re thinking about your next step.