California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program

Published on May 15, 2023

The State of California recently launched the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CaIKlDS) to help as many California children prepare financially for a postsecondary education. CaIKlDS 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.caIkids.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, CaIKIDS funds can be used for expenses such as tuition, fees, books, supplies and certain room and board costs.

This statewide initiative is administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, an agency of the State of California, and managed out of the State Treasurer’s Office. ScholarShare 529 and CalKlDS can make college or career training a reality for millions of children and families throughout our state.

Studies have shown that children with $500 or less saved for college are three times more likely to enroll in college and four times more likely to graduate, than children with no savings at all. CaIKIDS builds upon this research by providing families a starting point for growing assets and working to make higher education attainable.
 
If you have additional questions or would like further details, contact CaIKlDS staff directly at CaIKIDSAdmin@caIkids.org or (916) 651-6380.