Financial Aid Programs
Cal Grant Programs
The Cal Grant is a California-specific financial aid allocation that does not need to be paid back. Cal Grant applicants must apply using the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application by the deadline and meet all eligibility, financial, and minimum GPA requirements of either program.
Golden State Education and Training Grant Program
Overview for Students
The Golden State Education and Training Grant Program (GSETGP) supports Californians who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic with a one-time grant of $2,500 to reskill, up-skill, and access educational or training programs to get back into the workforce.
California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth
Overview For Students
The California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth (Chafee Grant) awards up to $5,000 a year to eligible foster youth. The Chafee Grant may be used at any eligible California college or university, or career or technical school. Students attending schools in other states may also qualify. A student’s receipt of a Chafee Grant award shall not exceed five years (whether or not consecutive).
Middle Class Scholarship (MCS)
For Undergraduates and Students Pursuing a Teaching Credential
The Middle Class Scholarship is for undergraduates and students pursuing a teaching credential with family income and assets up to $201,000.
California Military Department GI Bill Award Program
If you are an active member in the California National Guard, the State Military Reserve, or the Naval Militia you may be eligible for a state-funded program designed to provide an educational incentive to improve your skills, competencies, and abilities.
To learn more, watch this video and visit the California Military Department GI Bill Award Program (CMD GI Bill) website.
Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant Program
Overview For Students
The Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant Program (LEPD) provides a need-based educational grant to dependents and spouses of employees who lost their lives in the line of duty or were totally disabled as a result of an accident or injury caused by external violence or physical force incurred in the performance of duty in the following professions:
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).
- List of eligible schools: Approved Institutions and Programs
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP)
- 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 are CA public schools that provide instruction in any grade K-12 with more than 55% of pupils classified as English Learners, eligible for free or reduced-price meals, or current foster youth. Priority schools are not the same as schools funded by Title I.
The priority school list is compiled by April 15 annually using data submitted via CALPADS 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 new employment for after completing their program.
2020-21 GSTG Priority Schools List
2021-22 GSTG Priority Schools List
2022-23 GSTG Priority Schools List
2023-24 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 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, the student’s institution will be able to request payment(s).
Contact Information:
GSTG Coordinator Contact Information by Institution
California Student Aid Commission
Golden State Teacher Grant Program
goldenstateteachers@csac.ca.gov
California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program
Overview for Students
The California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program (DSIG) encourages California Dream Act Applicant (CADAA) Students with a Cal Grant A award that met Cal Grant B eligibility or a Cal Grant B award to perform community or volunteer service. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) will award up to $4,500 per academic year (up to $2,250 per semester or up to $1,500 per quarter) to 1,667 eligible students. The grant will be available to the student for up to 8 semesters or up to 12 quarters while they have an active Cal Grant A or B award.