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
Golden State Education and Training Grant
Program
For California Workers Displaced Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Golden State Education and Training Grant (GSETG) Program supports Californians who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic with one-time grants up to $2,500 for reskilling, up-skilling, and accessing educational programs to get back into the workforce. Visit the GSETGwebsite for more information.
Chafee Grant for Foster Youth
Free Money for Foster Youth for College or Career Training
The Chafee Grant program is available to any applicant who is or was in foster care between the ages of 16-18. Applicants may qualify for $5,000 a year for career and technical training.
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.
Ten things you need to know
1. The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) provides undergraduate students, including students pursuing a teaching credential, with a scholarship to attend a University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) campus. Students with family income and assets up to $201,000 may be eligible.
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 for students who are currently enrolled in an approved teacher preparation program. Students commit to teach in a “high-need” field at a “priority school” in California for four years and have five years, upon completion of the recipient’s preparation program, to meet that obligation.
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 teacher preparation program (including internship and teacher residency programs) approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). For a list of eligible schools please visit the CTC website.
- Must maintain good academic standing.
-
Commit to teach in California for
four years, within five years after completing a teacher
preparation program.
- Must teach in a high-need field.
- Must teach at a priority school.
- Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act Application (CADAA).
High-Need Field
Students commit to teach in a “high-need” field:
- Bilingual Education
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Career Technical Education in STEM areas
- Special Education
- Multiple Subject Instruction
- Transitional Kindergarten
Priority School
A “priority school” is a school with more than 55 percent of pupils who are classified as an English Learner, eligible for a free or reduced-price meal, or current foster youth. The current list of priority schools is available on the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) website.
How To Apply
STEP 1: Submit a Golden State Teacher Grant Application
STEP 2: Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act Application (CADAA)
The 2022-23 Golden State Teacher Grant application is now open.
Frequently Asked Questions
GSTG Frequently Asked Questions 2021-22
Next Steps
Once a student has completed their application, they will receive a confirmation email that their application has been submitted. It will be up to their institution to verify final eligibility and determine an award amount.
Once the institution has verified eligibility, the student will receive another email to sign their Teaching Agreement (TA). The TA explains the student’s obligations under the provisions of the grant. Non-compliance with the TA will result in repayment at 25 percent per year of non-compliance. Participants must:
- Maintain good academic standing while enrolled in the CTC approved teacher preparation program.
- Commit to teach in a high-need field at a “priority school” for four (4) years, within five (5) years after graduation from the teacher preparation program.
After the TA has been signed, the student’s payment will be processed by the California Student Aid Commission and sent to their institution.
For more information contact the
Golden State Teacher Grant Program at:
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 Application (CADAA) students with a Cal Grant B award to perform community or volunteer service. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) will award up to $3,000 per academic year (up to $1,500 per semester or up to $1,000 per quarter) to 2,500 eligible students.