Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG) Program

The Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG) Program is administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) with the purpose of addressing teacher shortages in California’s public education system. Specifically, the program supports students enrolled in professional preparation programs aimed at obtaining preliminary teaching or pupil personnel services credentials. By incentivizing these future educators through financial awards, the GSTG seeks to increase the number of qualified teachers and counselors in high-need school environments, thereby improving education equity and student support across the state. To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled in a Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)-approved program. These programs must be based in California or be an exclusively online program that serves California residents and meets the criteria set by California Education Code Section 69617.5—at present, only Western Governors University qualifies under the online provision. Importantly, students in intern teaching credential programs are excluded from eligibility, while those in intern pupil personnel services programs remain eligible. Candidates must also maintain satisfactory academic progress and be working toward their preliminary credential. Applicants who already possess a clear credential or are engaged in an induction program are ineligible. Additional requirements include the submission of both a GSTG application and a FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application. The maximum award and service requirements vary depending on the applicant’s cohort, which is determined by application date and Student Aid Index. As of now, only Cohort 3 is open for new applicants. For Cohort 3, recipients must commit to working for at least two years at an eligible priority school or California State Preschool Program (CSPP) within four years of completing their credential program. In contrast, Cohorts 1 and 2 require a four-year service commitment within eight years. Eligibility for priority schools is determined based on data from the California Department of Education and includes public schools with more than 55% of students who are English Learners, eligible for free or reduced-price meals, or are current foster youth. Eligible CSPPs include both state and federally funded preschool programs in California, including tribal and Head Start programs. The application process involves several steps. Students must first submit a FAFSA or Dream Act Application, followed by a GSTG application. Once submitted, students receive a confirmation and are evaluated for funding based on their SAI and the availability of funds. Institutions then verify eligibility and request payment upon receipt of a signed Service Agreement (SA) from the student. Payments are distributed per academic term unless otherwise requested by the institution, with paper checks taking 6–8 weeks and electronic transfers typically processed within a week. Failure to meet the service requirement triggers a repayment obligation. Cohort 1 and 2 recipients who do not fulfill the four-year service within eight years, and Cohort 3 recipients who do not complete two years of service within four years, will enter a repayment schedule for the full amount received. These schedules last four years for Cohorts 1 and 2 and two years for Cohort 3. Additionally, students can request a conditional pre-enrollment award notice to understand their potential GSTG eligibility prior to entering a preparation program by contacting CSAC. Support and inquiries are directed to the Golden State Teacher Grant Program via goldenstateteachers@csac.ca.gov. Detailed lists of eligible schools and programs are updated annually and can be found on the CSAC website. The GSTG represents a key initiative by the State of California to strengthen its teaching workforce and reduce educational disparities in underserved communities.

Applicants should ensure they are not in an intern teacher credential program, as these are ineligible. Confirm that the program is listed on the CTC-approved provider map.