Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG)
California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
Up to $20,000 for special education teacher candidates (or $10,000 for high-need-field and school counselor/psychologist candidates) who commit to teach at a high-need California school.
- How much
- up to $20,000 (special education, Cohort 5); up to $10,000 (high-need field or PPS, Cohort 4); half that at out-of-state online-only schools
- Who qualifies
- Enrolled in a CTC-approved credential program based in California (or Western Governors University online); not already clearing or holding a clear credential or in induction; keep SAP; signs a service agreement to work at a California priority school or CSPP.
- For grad students
- For special education, teaching credential (math, science, industrial and technology education, bilingual), pupil personnel services (school counseling, school psychology, social work) students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- When to apply
- Open now Rolling during the academic year; applications ranked weekly by Student Aid Index until funding is claimed (2026-27 Cohorts 4 and 5 open now)
- How to apply
- Submit the FAFSA or CADAA and a GSTG application at gstg.csac.ca.gov
- After your school verifies eligibility, sign the Service Agreement within 30 days
- What you'll need
- FAFSA + state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (csac.ca.gov)
The details
For students in a California CTC-approved professional preparation program working toward a preliminary special education teaching credential, a pupil personnel services (PPS) credential, or a preliminary teaching credential in a designated high-need field. 2026-27 high-need fields: single subject math, science, or industrial and technology education; multiple subject, PK-3, or another single subject when also adding a bilingual authorization. New applicants (applied on or after 7/1/2026) go into Cohort 4 (high-need field or PPS: up to $10,000, $5,000 at out-of-state online-only schools; 2 years of service within 4 years of finishing) or Cohort 5 (special education: up to $20,000, $10,000 at online-only schools; 4 years of service within 8 years; $16.1 million annual cap). Awards are prioritized weekly from lowest to highest Student Aid Index until funds run out. Service must be at a California priority school (over 55% English learners, free/reduced-price meal eligible, or foster youth) or a California State Preschool Program. You must earn the credential within 6 years of the first payment; unmet service means repaying 25-50% per missing year (no interest). Intern teacher credential programs are not eligible.
More money from California
- Cal Grant A2026-27 max: UC $15,588 (2026-27 cohort), CSU $6,838, CCC bachelor's program $3,024, private institutions $4,000-$9,358
- Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)up to $8,000 per year (15+ units/semester); $2,596 per year (12-14.99 units/semester)
- Cal-HBCU Transfer Grant Programup to $5,000 (one-time)
- Cal Grant C2026-27 max: community college $1,094 (books/supplies); private schools $2,462 tuition/fees + $547 books/supplies
- Cal Grant B2026-27: $1,648 access award (first year); from year two also tuition/fees up to $15,588 at UC, $6,838 at CSU, $4,000-$9,358 at private schools
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Arizona, Nevada, Oregon
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
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