America Ferrera Joins Forces with CalKIDS to Champion College Savings

August 21, 2025

Actress, advocate, and cultural icon America Ferrera has teamed up with CalKIDS, a groundbreaking program that jumpstarts college savings for California children. PIVOT Agency helped bring this partnership to life.

With a mission rooted in education, equity, and opportunity, CalKIDS offers up to $1,500 in free money for college or career training to California public school students and every baby born in the state since July 1, 2022. Funds in CalKIDS accounts can be used for qualified higher education expenses—such as tuition, books, supplies, and even computer equipment—at eligible institutions once the recipient is 17 or older. Accounts must be used by age 26.

To date, more than 60% of California public school students have funds already reserved in their name — they just need to claim them.

About CalKIDS

The California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS) was launched in 2022 by the State of California with a clear mission: to help jumpstart college savings for children statewide by awarding scholarship accounts to youth across the state.

Administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, CalKIDS takes the initiative by automatically offering children born in California and eligible public school students in California a CalKIDS Scholarship Account, along with other potential financial incentives.

Visit CalKIDS.org for more information.

Watch the Virtual Event with America Ferrera and Emmy-nominated journalist and radio personality Liz Hernandez as they share their passion around the program.