Golden State Teacher Grant Program

Overview

Golden State Teacher Grant Program
For Students Considering a Teaching Credential and Career in California

The California Student Aid Commission is now accepting Golden State Teacher Grant applications for the 2021-22 award year.

The Golden State Teacher Grant program (GSTG) is for students who are currently enrolled in a teacher preparation program to earn a credential in a high need field and commit to teach at a priority school, in California for four years, within five years after completing a teacher preparation program.

GSTG awards of up to $20,000 are available to eligible, currently enrolled students in California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) approved teacher preparation programs. Campuses and program administrators will verify applicants’ enrollment status.  Apply for a 2021-22 Golden State Teacher Grant here:  https://gstg.csac.ca.gov. 

Thank you for your interest in the Golden State Teacher Grant program (GSTG). 

Important Program Update: Due in part to California’s emergency response and state budget revisions vital to responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, for the 2020-21 award year, the GSTG program was limited to teachers pursuing Special Education.   However, the 2021-22 State Budget includes increased funding for the Golden State Teachers Grant program.

The program will now be open to teacher internship and residency programs which will be available soon on the application. Updates will be posted to this page as details become available.

For additional information, please email questions to goldenstateteachers@csac.ca.gov.

COVID-19 Updates: For information on federal emergency financial aid assistance for California students as well as assistance provided by the Governor and the California Legislature, please visit the Commission’s COVID-19 Information webpage for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), resources and updates. Our student support services are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:45 pm at 1-888-CALGRANT (or 224-7268).

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The Golden State Teacher Grant Program

What is a “High-Need Field”?

A “high-need field” means any of the following:
(1) Bilingual education.
(2) Mathematics or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), including career technical education in STEM areas.
(3) Science.
(4) Special education.
(5) Multiple subject instruction.
(6) Transitional kindergarten
(7) Other subjects as designated annually by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing based on an analysis of the availability of teachers in California pursuant to Education Code Section 44225.6.

What is a “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 California Student Aid Commission (Commission) in coordination with the California Department of Education (CDE) will publish a list of priority schools by January 1 of each year for which funds have been appropriated by the Legislature to support grants pursuant to this section.

The current list of priority schools is available on the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) website at: https://www.ctc.ca.gov/commission/notices/gs-teacher-list.

How do I know if I’m eligible for a Golden State Teacher Grant?

All applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Be enrolled in a teacher preparation program within a California institution of higher education approved by the CTC.
  • Meet the selection criteria identified by their institutions.

What is a Teaching Agreement?

The Teaching Agreement explains the student’s obligations under the provisions of the grant. Non-compliance with the Teaching Agreement will result in repayment at 25 percent per each 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.

For more information contact the
Golden State teacher Grant Program at:
goldenstateteachers@csac.ca.gov
www.csac.ca.gov/goldenstateteachers
1.888.224.7268