California Student Aid Commissions’ Golden State Teacher Grant Program

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.

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.

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 2022-23 GSTG application is now open. We will continue to accept applications until March 31, 2023, or until all funds have been awarded, whichever occurs first.
• The 2023-24 GSTG application is now open. We will continue to accept applications until March 31, 2024, or until all funds have been awarded, whichever occurs first. Processing for 2023-24 awards will begin in August 2023.