Thursday, May 14, 2026 | Vol 40 No 9

THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026

77% of San Bernardino County High School Students Are Eligible for CalKIDS Scholarships Worth Up to $1,500

More than $154 million is available countywide to support students as they make college and career decisions ahead of graduation

SAN BERNARDINO, CA--- As high school seniors across San Bernardino County make college and career decisions ahead of gradu- ation, CalKIDS is encouraging students and families to check whether scholarship funds have already been set aside in their names. Ap- proximately 77% of public high school students in San Bernardino County are eligible for a CalKIDS Scholarship worth up to $1,500, with more than $154 million in scholarship funds available countywide.

Administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board under the California State Treasurer's Office, CalKIDS provides scholarships to eli- gible California public school students to help pay for college or career training. Funds can be used at accredited colleges, universities, com- munity colleges, trade schools, and vocational programs for qualified educational expenses, including tuition and fees, books and supplies, certain room and board, and computer equip- ment. Students, their parents, or guardians must claim their CalKIDS Scholarship Account in order to use the funds.

"CalKIDS represents California's investment in the promise and potential of our students," said State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA. "These scholarships send a powerful message to fami- lies across our state: we believe in our young people, we are investing in their future, and we want every student to know that college or ca- reer training is within reach."

CalKIDS is working in partnership with the California Student Aid Commission to support more targeted outreach to eligible students. Through the WebGrants 4 Students portal, school counselors now have access to data that can identify eligible 9-12 grade students and support direct outreach. The partnership helps connect more students to CalKIDS Scholar- ships and the financial support available to help them take the next step after high school. "This innovative partnership is transforming how millions of California students access the resources that make college possible. Students can now claim their CalKIDS Account and ap- plying for financial aid more seamlessly" said Dr. Daisy Gonzales, CSAC Executive Director. "We're removing barriers at the exact moment that students are making decisions about their future, which can influence whether a student enrolls, persists, and ultimately graduates while addressing basic needs."

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Rising Teen Driver Truly Adams Secures Podium

Finishes in NOLA Debut

RIVERSIDE, CA/NEW ORLEANS, LA - Fifteen-year-old driver Truly "The Truth" Ad- ams delivered a standout debut weekend in the 2026 Ligier Junior Formula Championship at NOLA Motorsports Park, establishing himself as one of the most promising young American drivers competing in open-wheel racing today. Driving for Berg Racing, Adams earned a podium finish in his Ligier Junior Formula Championship debut during the April 11-12 race weekend, securing second-place finishes in both Saturday races, marking one of the strongest rookie performances of the weekend. After starting seventh in his opening race, Adams advanced through the field with con- fidence, climbing into podium position by the second lap and maintaining his position under pressure through the closing stages. His abil- ity to gain positions early and defend against experienced competitors underscored both his racecraft and composure.

That performance was foreshadowed during pre-season testing, where Adams recorded the fastest overall lap time at 1:42.714, more than a full second ahead of the next-closest com- petitor, signaling his pace and adaptability on the Ligier platform.

Following the opening rounds, Adams currently sits second in the championship stand- ings, positioning himself firmly in contention among the series' top drivers despite it being his first full season in cars.

The Riverside, California native entered the season with growing international recognition, having previously tested NACAM Formula 4 machinery and earned a finalist position at the FEED Racing Finals in France, where he made history in 2025 as the first American to podium in the final round.

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