Research

The UCLA CalKIDS Institute has released its first comprehensive report highlighting the activities and accomplishments that have shaped its first three years.

The report explores the Institute’s work across four areas: research and evaluation, innovation and replicable programs, partnerships and convenings, and policy and systems advancement. It documents how the Institute is helping strengthen connections between research, policy, and practice to advance early wealth building across California.

The discussion paper explores early engagement patterns in the CalKIDS Program, focusing on the student track for school-aged children. It
highlights the importance of program awareness, claiming accounts, and
sustained engagement to maximize the program’s impact on college savings
and financial capability. It offers several recommendations for strengthening the pathways through which families and students engage with the program. Finally, the paper emphasizes the broader value of CalKIDS in fostering financial awareness and educational aspirations, even beyond direct account claims.

This initial report provides preliminary insights into the experiences of the first cohorts of CalKIDS users (meaning those who have claimed and used at least some funds from their CalKIDS accounts for post-secondary education expenses). Through an online questionnaire and follow-up interviews, we examined the ways in which CalKIDS users learned about the program and used funds. Furthermore, we look into the perceived impact of CalKIDS by post-secondary students who have used funds from their account. In this report, we also highlight the importance of when students learn about their CalKIDS accounts.