Parents at Magnolia Science Academy 2 in Lake Balboa are gaining valuable insights into college savings through California’s innovative program, the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS). Launched in 2022, CalKIDS provides automatic scholarships to children born in California, supporting their future education.
During a recent workshop held on October 31, 2025, parents learned how to take advantage of CalKIDS and the ScholarShare 529 plan. The program awards children born on or after July 1, 2022, a scholarship of up to $175 in a CalKIDS account, with funds invested to encourage early savings for higher education.
Irma Tun Hernández, a parent of a 15-year-old student at Magnolia, expressed her gratitude for the initiative. She recalled receiving a letter two years ago informing her that her daughter had $500 available to open an account. “I don’t know much about computers, and I was confused,” she admitted. With assistance from school officials, Hernández successfully set up the account, which has since grown to $775. “I’m very happy and hope my child can go to college,” she added.
At the workshop, Gloria Perlas Pulido, manager of outreach and engagement with the California State Treasurer’s Scholarship Investment Board, provided information on how parents can maximize their savings for college. She emphasized the importance of early financial planning to ensure students have adequate resources for their educational pursuits.
State Senator Caroline Menjivar also addressed the audience, reinforcing the significance of programs like CalKIDS in helping families navigate the complexities of college financing. “We are committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed,” she stated.
The CalKIDS program aims to address the financial challenges faced by families. According to Alfredo Rubalcava, executive director of Magnolia Public Schools, “96% of students in Magnolia Public Schools are admitted to college, but only 10% end up attending the University of California schools.” He noted that finances often hinder students’ ability to pursue higher education.
Maribel Solorza, a parent with two children in Magnolia Public Schools, shared her experience of opening an account for her eleventh grader. “My daughter wants to continue to learn, become a doctor or veterinarian,” Solorza explained. “I feel like a load is lifted off me knowing that my child will be able to continue learning. With this economy, one thinks: ‘I won’t be able to help.’”
Rubalcava highlighted the importance of starting college savings early, stating, “We’re saying to parents: ‘We can help you start building that college reserve at a very young age — as young as 4 — and when your son or daughter turns 18, they are going to have ample money to go to their university of choice.’”
As families continue to navigate the path toward higher education, programs like CalKIDS play a crucial role in empowering parents and providing financial support for their children’s future.
