Up to $10,000 in Financial Assistance for Education and Training
Exciting news for aspiring school psychologists! The Golden State Teacher Grant now includes pupils in personnel services, making this one-time financial assistance opportunity available to those pursuing school psychology credentials.
“This Golden State Teacher Grant is a great financial resource, and we are thrilled that this opportunity is now available to our students in our M.A. School Counseling and Ed.S. School Psychology programs,” said Dr. Kennedy. “This grant will help students pursuing a career in pupil personnel, fund their education and prepare them to make a difference in the schools that need them most.”
Who Is Eligible for the Grant?
The Golden State Teacher Grant offers up to $10,000 in financial support for students enrolled in professional preparation programs leading to a California pupil personnel services credential at accredited institutions. This grant is ideal for school psychology students who plan to contribute their expertise to California public schools.
To qualify, students must agree to work for at least two years in a designated California “priority school” within four years of completing their program. A full list of priority schools is available on the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) website.
At Chapman University’s Attallah College of Educational Studies, students enrolled in the following programs are eligible for this grant:
- Ed.S. in School Psychology
- MA School Counseling
- Teacher Education & Special Education Programs
- MACI (fifth year only)
Additionally, students applying to these programs on or after January 1, 2020, are eligible to participate in this grant. For incoming students, the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) is developing a pre-enrollment process for conditional award notifications, allowing future school psychologists to better plan for tuition funding.
Requirements for the Golden State Teacher Grant
All grant recipients must agree to the conditions of the Golden State Teacher Grant agreement in addition to completing their preparation programs. Here’s what you need to know before applying as a school psychologist:
- Work in a Priority School
Recipients are required to complete 2 years of professional service in a California priority school within a 4-year period following program completion.
- Maintain Academic Standing
While enrolled in their CTC-approved preparation program, recipients must maintain good academic performance and earn their preliminary credential within three years from the time they receive their first grant allocation.
Keep in mind, if these requirements are not met, recipients of the Golden State Teacher Grant must repay the grant funding, either in part or in full. Check the official GSTG website for additional details.
Application Process
Chapman University is proud to offer this grant through its CTC-accredited Attallah College programs. If you’re an aspiring school psychologist, follow these steps to apply for the grant and begin your professional career in education:
- Apply to an eligible Attallah College Program, such as:
- Ed.S. in School Psychology
- MA School Counseling Program
- Teacher Education Programs
- Enroll in Chapman University after acceptance.
- Apply for the Golden State Teacher Grant.
- Wait for CSAC to notify Chapman’s Financial Aid Office following your application acceptance.
- Receive a notification from Chapman’s Attallah College of Educational Studies once your grant funds are available.
Additional Financial Aid Options
Apart from the Golden State Teacher Grant, Chapman University offers financial aid to help school psychology and other graduate students reduce tuition costs further. Many students receive partial tuition fellowships funded by generous donors. Be sure to explore all available financial aid opportunities to make your education more affordable.
A Step Toward Making an Impact
If you’ve been considering a career in school psychology, this grant offers an incredible opportunity to fund your educational journey while preparing to make meaningful contributions in priority schools across California. With up to $10,000 in financial support, the Golden State Teacher Grant can ease your financial burden, allowing you to focus on your goal of positively impacting the lives of students in need.
For updates on the program and details on the upcoming academic year (AY 2025-26), visit the official GSTG website today!