California Student Aid Commission

Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG) Program

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. The program is designed to support future teachers who commit to working at eligible priority schools or California State Preschool Programs (CSPP) serving high-need student populations. The program provides financial assistance to students pursuing teaching credentials, with award amounts varying by cohort. Currently, only Cohort 3 is open for new applicants, offering up to $10,000 (or $5,000 for eligible online institutions). Recipients must complete their program and obtain their credential within 6 years of their initial payment and fulfill a service obligation of 2 years within 4 years of program completion for Cohort 3. Priority schools are defined as California public schools with more than 55% of pupils classified as English Learners, eligible for free or reduced-price meals, or current foster youth. Recipients who do not fulfill their service obligation are required to repay a portion of the grant funds received, with repayment amounts prorated based on years of service completed.