California Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG) Program

Overview

Golden State Teacher Grant Program
Overview For Students

The Golden State Teacher Grant Program (GSTG) awards up to $20,000 to students currently enrolled in a professional preparation program approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and working towards earning their preliminary teaching or pupil personnel services credential.

Students must:

  • Complete their program and obtain their credential within 3 years from the first distribution of GSTG funds.
  • Commit to work at a priority school in California for 4 years within 8 years of completing their program.

Brochures

Golden State Teacher Grant Program One-Page Brochure

Golden State Teacher Grant Program Multipage Brochure

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Golden State Teacher Grant, a student must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Be currently enrolled in a California-based professional preparation program approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). 

  • Be working toward a preliminary teaching or pupil personnel services credential.
  • Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid) or CA Dream Act Application (CA Dream Act Application).
  • Complete their program and obtain their credential within 3 years from the first distribution of GSTG funds.
  • Commit to work at a priority school in California for 4 years within 8 years of completing their program.

Priority School

Priority schools have more than 55% of pupils classified as English Learners, eligible for free or reduced-price meals, or current foster youth. 

The priority school list is compiled by April 15 annually using data submitted to the California Department of Education (CDE) by each public California school.

Nonpublic schools are not eligible as priority schools as they do not report data to CDE.

When determining an eligible school for employment, GSTG recipients may refer to the GSTG Priority List published for the school year they received initial GSTG funds or the school year they are seeking employment for after completing their program.

2020-21 GSTG Priority Schools List

2021-22 GSTG Priority Schools List

2022-23 GSTG Priority Schools List

Frequently Asked Questions

GSTG Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

How To Apply

STEP 1: Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid) or CA Dream Act Application (CA Dream Act Application). 

STEP 2: Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG) Application.

The 2022-23 GSTG application is now open. We will continue to accept applications through April 1, 2023, or until all funds have been awarded, whichever occurs first.

The 2023-24 GSTG application is now open. We will continue to accept applications through April 1, 2024, or until all funds have been awarded, whichever occurs first. Processing for 2023-24 awards will begin in August 2023.

Next Steps

Once a student has submitted a GSTG application, they will receive a confirmation email. The student’s institution will verify their eligibility and determine their award amount.

 After the institution verifies the student’s eligibility, the student will be asked to sign their Service Agreement (SA). The SA outlines the program requirements, service commitment, and repayment obligation of the grant. 

After the SA has been signed, CSAC will process the award across term(s) of enrollment during the academic year and send payment to the institution for disbursement.

Contact Information:

GSTG Coordinator Contact Information by Institution

California Student Aid Commission
Golden State Teacher Grant Program
goldenstateteachers@csac.ca.gov