Going into Teaching?
The Golden State Teacher Grant program (GSTG) is for students who are 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 6 years from the date their initial GSTG payments are mailed to their institution.
- Commit to work at either a priority school or a California preschool program for either 2 or 4 years by the terms of their specific Service Agreement.
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 within a California institution of higher education who have filed a FAFSA or CADAA.
What is the Commitment?
The Service Agreement explains the student’s obligations under the provisions of the grant. Non-compliance with the Service Agreement will result in partial or full grant repayment.
- Maintain good academic standing while enrolled in the CTC-approved teacher preparation program.
- Cohort 1 and 2 GSTG recipients commit to work at an eligible priority school or California State Preschool Program (CSPP) for 4 years within 8 years of the date they complete their professional preparation program. Cohort 1 and 2 Service Agreement (SA)
- Cohort 3 GSTG recipients commit to work at an eligible priority school or California State Preschool Program (CSPP) for 2 years within 4 years of the date they complete their professional preparation program. Cohort 3 Service Agreement.
- Any work before the completion of the program and obtaining the credential does not count toward the service agreement requirement.
- Visit CTC’s website for a current list of programs. Please note: Only the programs on the list located on the map in CA may be eligible.
When is the Deadline to Apply?
The 2024-25 GSTG application will open from September 1, 2023 through April 1, 2025, or until all funds have been awarded, whichever occurs first. Institutions will be able to review 2024-25 GSTG applications for eligibility and award determination in the spring of 2024, after the opening of the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Awarding is done on a first-come, first-served basis, and funding is limited, so submit your application as soon as possible.
Join the 2025-26 GSTG applicant interest list to receive updates regarding the GSTG Program for the 2025-26 academic year once information is available. Eligibility and awarding for new 2025-26 applicants will be dependent on the 2025-26 State Budget.
How Do I Apply?
Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA® Application Federal Student Aid) or CA Dream Act Application (CA Dream Act Application).
Apply for a Golden State Teacher Grant on the California Student Aid Commission’s (CSAC) Golden State Teacher Grant webpage.
Once you have completed all steps, contact your Graduate Student Affairs Officer so they may work with the Financial Aid Office and track your application.
How Will I Know if I am Awarded a Golden State Teacher Grant?
If awarded, you will be notified by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). CSAC will send eligible GSTG applicants a letter of acknowledgement along with a Service Agreement (SA). Please sign and return the service agreement within 30 days from the date of receipt.
The SA outlines the requirements of the program and stipulates that CSAC will authorize a one-time grant, with the amount stipulated on the SA, to an eligible applicant who commits to teach at an eligible priority school or a CSPP for 4 years within 8 years of completing their program or 2 years within 4 years of the date they complete their professional preparation program depending on Cohort/Service Agreement terms.
The 2024-25 State Budget established three cohorts of GSTG applicants with varying additional eligibility restrictions, maximum award amounts, awarding prioritizations, funding restrictions, and service obligations:
|
|
Cohort 1 |
Cohort 2 |
Cohort 3 |
|
Description |
GSTG recipients paid less than the maximum award in prior years and continue to meet program eligibility criteria |
New applicants who submitted a 2024-25 GSTG application on or prior to 6/30/2024. |
New applicants who submitted a 2024-25 GSTG application on or after 7/1/2024 or are not awarded in Cohort 2 due to awarding prioritization and funding restrictions. |
|
Additional Eligibility Restrictions |
None. |
None. |
Intern credential programs do not qualify for GSTG participation. |
|
Maximum Award |
$20,000 ($10,000 for online institutions participating under Section 69617.5). |
$20,000 ($10,000 for online institutions participating under Section 69617.5). |
$10,000 ($5,000 for online institutions participating under Section 69617.5). |
|
Awarding Prioritization |
None. |
Prioritized based on lowest to highest Student Aid Index. |
Prioritized based on lowest to highest Student Aid Index. |
|
Funding Restrictions |
None – Up to the remaining funds available to each eligible recipient may be paid. |
$50 million awarding cap. |
Award up to the remaining available program funds. |
|
Service Obligation |
Complete 4 years of service within 8 years of their program completion date. |
Complete 4 years of service within 8 years of their program completion date. |
Complete 2 years of service within 4 years of their program completion date. |
If I am Awarded, How and When will I Receive the Funds?
UC Berkeley Financial Aid Federal and State Programs Unit requests GSTG funds the week after term instruction.
Your award amount will come via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) from CSAC to UC Berkeley about 1 week after the funds are requested.
Once the campus receives the funds, your package will be adjusted, and funds will be disbursed within 5 business days of the package adjustment.
Need Help? We’re Here for You
Please contact us with any questions you may have.
Don’t wait to start your application! Visit the Golden State Teacher Grant webpage to get more information about eligibility, application and service requirements. Start your application soon, as there are a limited number of grants available!