| Name of Program |
Golden State Teacher Grant (CSTG) |
|---|---|
| Website URL | https://www.csac.ca.gov/golden-state-teacher-grant-program |
| Description |
Want to become a Special Education Teacher? The Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG) Program awards 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. |
| Award Amount |
Maximum award of $10,000 ($5,000 for online institutions participating under Section 69617.5). |
| Other Requirements/Conditions |
To be eligible for the GSTG, a student must meet the following eligibility criteria:
* Be currently enrolled in a professional preparation program approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) that either:
** Has a main campus location or administrative entity in California, including programs operated by California (CA) Local Education Agencies.
** Or is a private postsecondary institution offering the program to CA residents exclusively online that meets the criteria outlined in CA Education Code Section 69617.5. Currently, only Western Governors University is eligible.
* Maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP).
* Be working toward a preliminary teaching or pupil personnel services credential.
*Applicants pursuing a teaching credential who are already in process of clearing a teaching credential, already hold a clear teaching credential, or are in an induction program are ineligible for the GSTG.
* Submit a Golden State Teacher Grant Program Application.
* 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 6 years from the date their initial GSTG payment is mailed to their institution.
* Commit to work at an eligible priority school or a CSPP by signing a Service Agreement. |
| Application Process |
STEP 1: Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA | Federal Student Aid) or CA Dream Act Application (CADAA).
STEP 2: Submit a Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG) Application. |
| Deadline Date |
Applications will continue to be accepted for the 2025-26 Academic Year through 6/30/2026.
Use the link at the top of the page to join the 2026-27 GSTG applicant interest list for the next Academic Year. |
| Target Audience |
Have a B.A. or B.S. degree, Interested in teaching special education, Residents of CA only |
| Type of Financial Aid |
Grant |