The Golden State Teacher Grant Program

Overview

The Golden State Teacher Grant Program

The Golden State Teacher Grant Program (GSTG) encourages students to consider earning a teaching credential and teach in a high-need field, at a priority school, in California for four years, within five years after completing a teacher preparation program. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) will award one-time Golden State Teacher Grant funds of up to $20,000 to over 4,400 eligible students across California, that are enrolled in a Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) approved teacher preparation program within a California institution of higher education on or after January 1, 2020. Applicants must agree to all terms and conditions of the GSTG program or be required to repay the grant.

The GSTG awards will be allocated to CTC approved teacher preparation institutions within a California institution of higher education based on the number/percentage of preliminary teacher credential recommendations the schools graduated the previ­ous academic year. College and University campuses will nominate applicants using their own selection criteria and procedures to identify eligible students. Apply for a 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 potential state budget revisions vital to responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the current GSTG program process is subject to change. While the GSTG program is accepting applications from eligible students, the GSTG program awards are currently on hold pending state budgetary decisions.  Any updates concerning the program will be posted on this page.  Applicant records will be saved, and the Commission will send updates when further information is available.  Interested students may email questions to  goldenstateteachers@csac.ca.gov. 

COVID-19 federal emergency financial aid assistance for California students has been announced. The Governor and the California Legislature are also considering state-funded emergency assistance programs for students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 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).

Golden State Teacher Grant Program Brochure

Post

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) 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” means a school with a high percentage, as determined by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) in consultation with the California Department of Education (CDE), of teachers holding emergency-type permits, based on the most recent data available to the CTC and the CDE. By January 1, 2020, the CTC shall publish a list of priority schools. “Emergency-type permits” include, but are not limited to, any of the following:
(1) Provisional internships.
(2) Short-term staff permits.
(3) Credential waivers.
(4) Substitute permits.

The CTC list of priority schools is available at this link:
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 on or after January 1, 2020 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 partial or full grant repayment.
• Maintain good academic standing while enrolled in the CTC approved teacher preparation program.
• Upon completion of the teacher preparation program, satisfy the state basic skills proficiency test requirements.
• Commit to teach in a “high-need field” at a “priority school” for four (4) years, within five (5) years after graduation from your 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