CalKIDS Scholarship Month Launches in Merced County to Help More Students Claim Scholarships

September 7, 2026
CVV News

CalKIDS is launching the first CalKIDS Scholarship Month this September, partnering with county offices of education and school districts across California. This statewide effort will bring scholarship claiming support directly to school communities, making it easier for eligible students to take action and claim their CalKIDS Scholarship Accounts.

In Merced County, more than $24 million in CalKIDS Scholarships is available to eligible public-school students, and approximately 80% of public-school students in grades 2-12 are eligible for a scholarship worth up to $1,500.

“CalKIDS Scholarship Month is about meeting students where they are and making it easier for them to access resources that can help support their education after high school,” said California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA. “By bringing CalKIDS directly onto school campuses throughout California, we can help more students take this important step and claim their scholarship funds.”

Throughout the month, participating school districts and campuses will host designated CalKIDS Scholarship claiming events where students and families can check eligibility and claim their scholarships on-site.

For students in grades 9-12, schools have an additional tool to support these efforts. Through a data-sharing agreement between CalKIDS and the California Student Aid Commission, CalKIDS Scholarship information is available to high school administrators through WebGrants for Institutions, the state’s financial aid platform. Schools can use this information to identify students with CalKIDS Scholarships and connect them directly with on-campus claiming opportunities throughout September and beyond.

“With September as CalKIDS claim month, we have an incredible opportunity to help families discover resources that can expand their students’ futures,” said Dr. Loretta Whitson, Executive Director of the California Association of School Counselors. “The CalKIDS Program gives school counselors another meaningful way to connect families with opportunities for college and career education. By starting these conversations early, we can help more students see that higher education and career training are within reach and that investing in their future can begin today.”