March 8, 2024

Salinas – This month, Salinas City Elementary School District’s 6th graders will visit to CSU Monterey Bay and get an introduction to the University Promise initiative.

University Promise aims to spark college aspirations in young students. It asks students to make a pledge to complete the required coursework to earn admission to a CSU campus, and in return, CSUMB will guarantee them a place in a future entering class.

During their visits, SCESD students will explore the CSUMB campus, participate in activities and interact with staff and students. CSUMB officials will present SCESD students with "Junior Otter" cards, symbolizing the University's commitment to these future Otters.

"Exposing our students to a university environment at such a pivotal age is invaluable," says SCESD Superintendent Rebeca Andrade. "The University Promise initiative ignites a passion for higher education and empowers students to dream big, and it fosters a culture of college readiness within SCESD schools.”

The State of California has moved to give families a leg up on saving for higher education, whether at a trade school, community college or a four-year university. CalKIDS is a children's savings account program administered by the state; research shows that giving low-income youth college savings accounts at a young age not only helps families build financial assets, but also stokes tangible college aspirations.

CalKIDS provides each child born in California and eligible low-income public school students with up to $1,500 in a CalKIDS account to help jumpstart saving for higher education and career training. There are two eligible groups for this program:

• All children born in California on or after July 1, 2022 are automatically enrolled and can receive up to $100 in free money.
• As of Fall 2022, all eligible low-income first grade students enrolled on Fall Academic Census Day (the first Wednesday in CalKIDS funding of up to $1,500.

According to CalKIDS, 6,430 SCESD students have been automatically enrolled with a CalKIDS account. The next step is claiming that account so they can access it and add money to it if they are able. So far, only 267 SCESD students have taken the next step of claiming their account—the District is conducting expansive outreach to encourage more families to claim their accounts.

Students can access their CalKIDS funds for higher education or career training until the age of 26.

For more information, please contact Mary Duan, Director of Communications and Community Engagement, at mary.duan@salinascity.k12.ca.us