Financial Supports

Alliant University Pathway to Teaching Grant 

$5000

If you are currently working in a classified position at a California school district or county office of education, you could be eligible for the $5,000 Pathway to Teaching grant. This grant can help partially fund your online teaching credential program at the California School of Education (CSOE) at Alliant. We prepare students to earn their credentials in multiple subject teaching, single subject teaching, and education specialist instruction, mild to moderate support needs.

Cal Grant Programs

Financial aid amount dependent on the program award type:

• Cal Grant Competitive Awards
• Cal Grant B Foster Youth Award
• Cal Grant C Award

Eligibility Requirements:

• Submit the FAFSA or CADAA application and your verified Cal Grant GPA by the deadline
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen or meet AB540 eligibility criteria
• Be a California resident for 1 year
• Attend a qualifying California college
• Do not have a bachelor’s or professional degree
• Have financial needs at the college of your choice
• Have family income and assets below the minimum levels
• Be enrolled or plan to enroll in a program leading to an undergraduate degree or certificate
• Be enrolled or plan to enroll at least half time
• Have registered with the U.S. Selective Service, if required to do so
• Do not owe a refund on any state or federal grant or be in default on a student loan
• Do not be incarcerated
• Maintain the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards as established by the school. Recipients who do not meet the standards are ineligible for Cal Grant payment and will not use eligibility during the terms they are ineligible for payment.

Requirements and more from Cal Grant Programs webpage.

California College Promise Grant

For eligible California residents, the California Community Colleges Promise Grant permits enrollment fees to be waived.

Eligibility:

• Based on financial need when a student is determined a California resident or exempt from non-resident fees under the California Dream Act.

Many California community colleges offer online California College Promise Grant applications through CCCApply.
 

California State University Scholarship Programs

A wide variety of scholarships offered by generous donors are available for California State University students.

Target Audience: Veteran, Students, and interns. Have a B.A. or B.S. degree, Interested in teaching in a low-performing school and critical shortage areas, Interested in teaching mathematics, Interested in teaching science, Interested in teaching special education

SDCOE, in collaboration with Orange County Department of Education, Imperial County Office of Education, and Butte County Office of Education, has been awarded another Classified Employee Teacher Recruitment Grant through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing which provides approximately $3,500 per year to assist classified employees pursue their teaching credentials.

• The purpose of this grant is to help offset the cost of completing a teacher credential program for individuals applying for their first teaching credential. 
  • Grant 1: Through SDCOE for a PK-3 Early Childhood Specialist or Education Specialist credential.
  • Grant 2: Through SDCOE as part of a larger consortium of grant partners including OCDE, SBCSS, BCOE, and ICOE for Single Subject or Multiple Subject credentials 

• Requirements include:
  • Employed as a classified employee at a San Diego County district, charter, or county office
  • Prior completion of least 60 degree-applicable semester units from a regionally accredited college/university

If you are interested in participating in this grant opportunity, please contact your district human resource services office to verify their participation in the grant.  Your human resource office will have the application materials required to submit to the program.

Early Education Teacher Development Grant (EETD)

Receive reimbursements up to $24,000 a year for professional learning. 

Reimbursement is subject to approval and available funding and must be aligned to the intent of the grant.Priority will be given to those within the SDCOE EETDConsortium***

• Individual seeking to attain a credential to teach in ,Prek, TK or K: Multiple subject, PK-3 or EducationSpecialist: MMSN, ESN, DHH, VI, ECSE, Bridge
• Individual seeking to attain early childhood educationunits toward the 24 unit TK teaching requirement
• Individual seeking to attain a child developmentpermitIndividual seeking to attain a supplemental credentialauthorization: Bilingual Authorization, EarlyChildhood Special Education (ECSE) added authorization

Individual seeking to attain a degree:

• Associate's
• Bachelor’s
• Master’s in ECE or CD

Advisement Services:

• Credentialing, resume building
• Interview process
• Navigating Edjoin

Priority will be given to EETD consortium members. If not employed by an EETD district/agency you can apply for reimbursement (as funding allows) by contacting eetd@sdcoe.net.

San Diego Unified School District offers grants and reimbursements for its staff members. If you are employed by SDUSD, please reach out to earlylearning@sandi.net for more information.

Federal Pell Grants

Amounts can change yearly. The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $6,495 for the 2021–22 award year (July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022).

Eligibility Requirements:

You should start by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. You will have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you’re in school in order to stay eligible for federal student aid.

Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Scholarship Fund

Provides in-state systemwide Tuition and Student Services Fees and Campus Fees for students who are California Native Americans but not members of a federally recognized tribe.
 
Eligibility Requirements: Must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Not a member of a Federally Recognized tribe;
2. Either:
   • Have a certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) showing a California tribal  affiliation; or 
   • Descend from a person with a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) showing a California tribal affiliation, on the California census rolls of 1928 or 1933, or on the California Judgment Fund Rolls of 1953 or 1972;
3. California Resident;
4. Current or newly admitted UC undergraduate, graduate, or professional school student; and
5. Enrolled in a Qualifying UC Degree Program.
    

Full Circle & Tribal College Scholarships

The American Indian College Fund provides scholarships to American Indian and Alaska Native college students seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees at tribal colleges, nonprofit, and accredited schools. Students attending for-profit colleges and universities are not eligible
 
Eligibility:

• Any Native American U.S. citizen that is a member or descendant of a state or federally recognized tribe
• At least a 2.0 grade point average
• Enrolled as a full-time student can apply for a scholarship.
   

Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG)

The Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG) Program awards up to $20,000 to 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.

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA® Application  Federal Student Aid) or CA Dream Act Application (CA Dream Act Application) and the  Golden State Teacher Grant Program Application to qualify.

Please visit the California Student Aid Commission GSTG website for the most up tp date information.

Middle Class Scholarship (MCS)

Scholarship amount between 10% and 40% of the mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at a University of California or California State University campuses. Re-apply yearly. 

Eligibility Requirements:

• California resident or have AB 540 status
• Not in default on a student loan
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Have family asset levels, excluding equity in a primary residence and savings in retirement accounts, of up to $184,000
• File a FAFSA/California Dream Act Application by March 2nd.

National University Associate Degree for Transfer Scholarship

$10,000* tuition reduction offer to apply to Bachelor programs.

Target Audience:
California Community Colleges (CCC) Transfer Students who have recently earned their Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), Associate of Arts (AA), or Associate of Science (AS) degree within 12 months of applying to NU are eligible for the transfer scholarship pricing of $880 per course.

Study.com Scholarships

For current and prospective students. 

Each scholarship offers a $500 academic award to its winner. Scholarships are awarded annually, Sept 1st deadline. Any applications received after the deadline will be considered for the following year.
 

TEACH Grant

Up to $4,000 a year to students who are completing or plan to complete coursework needed to begin a career in teaching.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Meet the basic eligibility criteria for the federal student aid programs.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form.
• Be enrolled as an undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate student at a school that participates in the TEACH Grant Program.
• Be enrolled in a TEACH-Grant-eligible program.
• Meet certain academic achievement requirements (generally, scoring above the 75th percentile on one or more portions of a college admissions test or maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25). For specific information about the academic requirements, talk to the financial aid office at your college or career school.
• Receive TEACH Grant counseling that explains the terms and conditions of the TEACH Grant service obligation. You must complete counseling each year that you receive a TEACH Grant.
• Sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to serve or repay.

The CA Dream Act Application

The CA Dream Act Application allows students interested in attending eligible California colleges, universities, and career education programs to apply for state financial aid. This application is unrelated to the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

California Dream Act Online Application 

Satisfy either items 1 or 2 (Time and Coursework Requirements)

1. Three (3) or more years of full-time attendance or attainment of equivalent credits earned in California from the following schools (or any combination thereof):

   A. High School 

   B. Adult School 

   C. Community College (credit or non-credit courses) ** or

2. Three (3) or more years of full-time high school coursework and attended a combination of elementary, middle and/or high school in California for a combined total of three (3) or more years.

Alliant International University (15% tuition savings for credential and degree programs)

Alliant is proud to be an educational partner of the San Diego County Office of Education and San Diego districts! We offer a variety of online degrees, certificates, and credentials in education that prepare you to make a lasting difference through teaching, counseling, leadership, advocacy, administration, management, and community work. We also offer campus-based master’s and doctoral programs in other areas at our campus in Scripps Ranch. SDCOE employees and employees of all San Diego County school and community college districts are eligible for preferred pricing, which includes a 15% tuition savings plus an application fee waiver for those who qualify. Contact johnna.sangster@alliant.edu  to inquire about programs or visit us at: Alliant Partnership.

Tuition discounts can be applied to credentials and degree programs

Azusa Pacific University offers a 10% discount on tuition to SDCOE employees and affiliates to provide access to professional preparation through certificate, credential, masters’ and education specialist degrees.  The discount applies to all School of Education programs and the Physical Education program in the School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences.  For program information please contact schoolofeducation@apu.eduor visit us at  Azusa Pacific University Scholarships and Discounts.
 

Cal Baptist University CBU- Preferred Partnership Progam

California Baptist University has partnered with select employers to provide their employees the opportunity to advance educational goals while maximizing the following benefits

• 20% tuition scholarship
• Free application process
• Selection of more than 160 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs
• Online and on-campus
• World-class professors and academic support

Escondido Union School District- Palomar College- Paraeducator Partnership Program (P3)

EUSD staff can earn an associates transfer degree in Liberal Studies and School Age Child Development Certificate through Palomar College while simultaneously working as a paraeducator in EUSD. 
Limited to 40 participants per cohort/year

Program Highlights:

• Attend classes at the Escondido Union School District on two afternoons/evenings a week in a cohort model after the work day.
• Daycare provided for school-aged children
• Books and tuition paid by EUSD
• Earn an AA degree, Early Adolescence Authorization, and CSU transferable credit with a three-year estimated timeline

Eligibility:

• Current paraeducator in EUSD
• Must pass the NCLB testing requirements for ELA & Math (Assessment written at an 8th-grade standard level, currently a 50% cut score to pass)
   

Tuition discounts can be applied to bachelor’s and master’s degree programs

National University has partnered with San Diego County Office of Education to bring a 25% tuition reduction scholarship* to county, district, and expanded learning employees looking to continue their education. Tuition reduction can be applied to credentials, most bachelor's and master's degree programs, as well as 15% tuition reduction towards doctoral programs..  To request information visit National University SDCOE, Districts, and Program Partnerships.

Tuition discounts can be applied to bachelor’s and master’s degree programs

At Point Loma Nazarene University, we are here for the same reasons you are: we truly believe in the power of education and we care deeply about individuals who are living out their call to be an educator. Our graduate and professional studies programs will equip you to teach, counsel, or lead effectively in whichever educational setting you choose. As a Christian liberal arts university, we balance knowledge and practical skills with the spiritual and emotional aspects of teaching, so you may develop into a strong and compassionate leader whose influence transforms your learning community. Point Loma Nazarene University is proud of our close partnerships with districts in the San Diego community so we can better serve you. We offer a 10% discount to employees and program participants through our partnership with SDCOE. We offer master’s level units at a deeply reduced price for your induction experience, and we accept preservice coursework completed in an SDCOE intern credential program toward a PLNU credential.  To make it even more accessible to you, we offer classes online and a face-to-face track as well. To learn more, please contact gradinfo@pointloma.edu or visit PLNU School of Education.
 

Tuition discounts can be applied to bachelor’s and master’s degree programs

Brandman University is now UMass Global and is a proud partner with SDCOE. Continuing a 60 year legacy of educating working adults, UMass Global is a private, non-profit university. We offer hybrid classes at our San Diego campus as well as fully online options. We are CTC accredited and offer CA Teaching Credentials within our School of Education. You can earn your bachelor’s, master’s as well as our extensive California credential offerings and doctoral degrees. We can help support your journey in becoming a teacher, administrator, school counselor or school psychologist. Through our partnership with SDCOE, you will receive a 10-20% scholarship off of tuition that also extends to your spouse and dependents. 
Please visit us at to find out more: UMass Global Partnership with SDCOE
 

Project Endorsement+ CTEL Authorization and CLAD Certificate Program

The CTEL Authorization & CLAD Certificate is a fully online, four-course program focused on teaching English learners through an understanding of first and second language acquisition. Graduate admission and a copy of your teaching credential are required to begin.

Who is Eligible:

• Educators holding an active CA credential working in a CA school district. 
• Space is limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

COURSE TITLE:

• Theories in Language Structure and Acquisition
• English Language and Literacy Development
• Voice, Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice
• Content-Based Instruction and Assessment for Linguistic Minority Students: SDAIE 

Tuition:

The tuition of these courses is funded by the Project Endorsement+ National Professional Development grant. The grant does not cover any additional cost such as transcript, textbook, and portfolio review fees.

•  $0 ($2,200 value), portfolio review - $150 (one-time fee), textbooks (approximately $100)  

Earn your Master of Education

The online Master of Education program is designed for practicing K-12 teachers with a minimum of two years of teaching experience in a wide variety of classroom settings, including public district, charter, private, independent and non-traditional schools. It also serves educators pursuing leadership positions such as principal and superintendent, as well as those seeking careers in Ed Tech and corporate educational roles.

SDCOE teachers get a 15% discount

Learn more at medonline.sandiego.edu
medonline@sandiego.edu | (619) 260-4585

CalKIDS

Children born in California starting on July 1, 2022, and eligible low-income public school students are awarded a CalKIDS college savings account with an initial deposit in it. Enrollment is automatic and families are not required to contribute.

Eligible newborns receive a:

• $25 seed deposit in a CalKIDS account.
• $25 deposit in your CalKIDS account when you register on the Program online portal.
• $50 deposit in your CalKIDS account when you link a new or your existing ScholarShare 529 college savings account to your CalKIDS account.

Low-income Public School Students,1st–12th Grade students receive a:

• $500 automatic deposit in a CalKIDS account for eligible low-income public school students
• $500 additional deposit in a CalKIDS account for eligible students identified as foster youth
• $500 additional deposit in a CalKIDS account for eligible students identified as homeless

#CaliforniansForAll College Corps

College Corps is a statewide, paid service program, which provides meaningful work to college. Students who complete 450 hours of service with College Corps will receive the following benefits:

Up to $10,000 – which includes a living allowance throughout the service term and an Education Award upon completion:

• Academic credit (amount and type to be determined by each partner campus) 
• A real-world job experience and skills to add to their resume
• Access to training, networking, and professional development opportunities 
• A sense of pride and accomplishment in working toward a common purpose alongside young leaders from across the state

General Eligibility:

To apply, students should meet the following minimum eligibility criteria:

• Full-time, enrolled undergraduate student at a College Corps partner campus
• Has a high school diploma or its equivalent by start of program
• Must currently be and remain in good academic standing 
• Ability to commit to the program for the full academic year
• Must be a US Citizen, US National, legal permanent resident, or AB 540 CA Dream Act Student 

Financial Need:

Eligible students should meet at least one of the following four criteria:

• Qualifies for a Federal Pell Grant
• Qualifies for State Cal Grant
• Qualifies for Middle Class Scholarship
• Needs to work part-time and/or borrow student loans to meet educational costs

Undocumented Students:

• Is an AB-540 CA Dream Act Student
• Is a Cal Grant A or B recipient (Note: this requirement may be waived at some participating campuses; please consult your institution for more details.)
   

Child Development Training Consortium

The Child Development Training Consortium (CDTC) is a statewide program funded by the California Department of Education, Early Learning and Care Division (CDE/ELCD) with federal Child Care and Development Quality Improvement funds. The program is administered by the Yosemite Community College District and serves all of California.

Child Development Permit Stipends:
The Child Development Training Consortium (CDTC) Permit Stipend Program pays the permit application fee to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for eligible applicants.

Eligibility Info:

• Applicant must live OR work in California in order to be eligible for the stipend.
• Stipends are available once per program year per applicant. The current program year runs from July 1 to June 30. 
• Stipend availability and deadlines for applications will be posted on the permit page near the end of each program year.
• Funding is first come, first served. When funding has been expended, applications will be returned to the applicant. Applicants are then responsible to apply directly to the Commission and include the application fee.

Educational Support Grant:
This program provides support for specific educational expenses to students attending California Community Colleges. Students pursuing a career in early childhood or child development MAY be eligible to apply for the Educational Support Grant.

Grant funding (to support tuition and/or textbook costs) is based on the submission of a complete application, the number of eligible students, and the successful completion of courses with a grade of "C" or better. Limited funding is first come, first served.

Eligible courses could include

• ECE/Child Development coursework
• general education coursework
• remedial courses
•  child development work experience (general work experience course excluded).

Priority 1: Employees of all direct-funded CDSS/CDE programs including center-based programs and family child care network programs or center-based programs with satellite family child care providers. This also includes co-located Head Start Programs. Employees of any program, center-based or licensed family child care homes, that serve children on a voucher basis for Alternative Payment services. Employees of all other programs including center-based and licensed family child care homes are eligible.

Priority 2: Students who are not currently employed (as described in the above Priority 1 requirement) and enrolled in at least a three-unit ECE/CD Practicum/Student Teaching course.
*Additional eligibility criteria are included in the online application

Fresh Start Program 

Fresh Start is a one-time temporary program from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) that offers special benefits for borrowers with defaulted federal student loans.

Eligible:

• Defaulted William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program loans
• Defaulted Federal Family Education Loan
• (FFEL) Program loans
• Defaulted Perkins Loans held by ED

Not eligible

• Defaulted Perkins Loans held by schools
• Defaulted Health Education Assistance Loan Program
• Student loans remaining with the U.S. Department of Justice for ongoing litigation
• Direct Loans that default after the end of the COVID-19 student loan payment pause
• FFEL Program loans that default after the end of the COVID-19 student loan payment pause

Benefits of Fresh Start:

• Access to Federal Student Aid
• Stopped Collections
• Eligibility for Other Government Loans
• Restored Ability to Rehabilitate Loans
• Credit Reporting Changes

GI Bill Benefits

Between $464 and $1,857 per month, depending on enrollment status. The government provides this benefit for up to 36 months.

Eligibility Requirements Dependent on GI Bill Benefits Type:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill
• Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
• Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves (MGIB-SR)

Project Endorsement+ CTEL Authorization and CLAD Certificate Program

UMass Global has been awarded the National Professional Development grant to provide tuition-free coursework needed to earn the California Teacher of English Learners (CTEL) Authorization & CLAD Certificate.Upon completion, you will be authorized to provide instruction to English learners (EL) in
a California classroom.

PROGRAM DETAILS:

• 100% Online, instructor-led
• 4 courses total,
• 8 weeks per course
• Tuition - $0 ($2,200 value)
• LiveText fee - $145 (one-time fee)
• Portfolio Review - $150 (one-time fee)

SPACE IS LIMITED!
TO GET STARTED, CONTACT:
Dr. Gina Albertini-Bennett
bennett2@umassglobal.edu
 

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans.

To qualify:

• be employed by a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government or qualifying not-for-profit organization (federal service includes U.S. military service);
• work full-time for that agency or organization;
• have Direct Loans (or consolidate other federal student loans into a Direct Loan);
• repay your loans under an income-driven repayment plan or a 10-year Standard Repayment Plan; and
• make a total of 120 qualifying monthly payments that need not be consecutive.

To be considered for PSLF, you only need to submit a PSLF form. The easiest way to do this is by using the PSLF Help Tool. The PSLF Help Tool allows you to:

Check to see if your employer is already in our employer database.
Request that your employer’s eligibility be reviewed if it is not already in our database or has not yet had its eligibility determined.
Prepare and sign your PSLF form, and request certification and signature from your employer—all electronically.
Generate your PSLF form for manual signature and submission to the PSLF servicer (if electronic submission isn’t possible).
 

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union-Special Curriculum and Teaching Credential Loans

Special Curriculum Loans and Teaching Credential Loans for school employees are available to help cover tuition, books, and other expenses associated with advanced educational programs or professional certifications. 

What you need:

• Be a school employee.
• Have proof of enrollment in an approved program 
• Complete a Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification form.
• Have a SchoolsFirst FCU account in good standing.​
• Submit a loan application and credit qualify.

SDCOE Early Education Stipends 

Stipend amount and eligibility will vary:

• Learn Well Stipend
• Quality Counts California Home Visitor Support Program
• Early Childhood Inclusive Practices (ECIP) Stipend 
• Workforce Pathway Grant (WPG) Professional Learning Stipend
• UPK Mixed Delivery Stipend
• Retention Stipend 
• Early Education Stipends

Please review the information and stipend orientation on the SDCOE Early Education Stipends page to determine your eligibility and understand the steps and requirements for applying.

Planning and options to paying for college. 

Back on Track 

Resources and support for Californians navigate their student loan debt.

• Covid Student Loan Payment Pause
• The California Student Borrower Bill of Rights

Funding Your Future in Teaching 

This guide outlines financial planning steps and key federal and state aid options for aspiring teachers. It also highlights financial supports specific to teacher residency programs.

Roadmap to Teaching

The "Roadmap to Teaching" page on the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) website provides a step-by-step guide to becoming a teacher in California. It outlines the requirements, credentials, and pathways for aspiring educators, from preparation programs to obtaining a teaching credential.  

Get scholarship matches based on your skills and interests. Your registration can enter you for a chance to win $1000. 

Register for free at salliemae.com/scholarshipsearch

Tools for a personalized plan for college selection and financial options.  

Visit salliemae.com/makeaplan

Free tools and resources for college planning. 

• Virtual presentations:
  • Applying for Scholarships
  • College Planning
• Free resources and tools:
  • College Planning Calculator
  • Financial Aid Comparison
  • Student Loan Estimator

Scholarship Search: saIliemae.com/scholarshipsearch

Paying for College Resource: Payingforcollegeresource.com

Teacher Candidate Funding Explorer

The Teacher Candidate Funding Explorer is a searchable database of federal and state funding opportunities to help make earning a teaching credential affordable or cost-free.

Teacher Preparation Program Funding Explorer

The Teacher Preparation Program Funding Explorer is a resource that provides detailed information on various federal and state funding opportunities for individuals pursuing teaching credentials. It helps users identify potential financial support options for teacher preparation programs.  

A Junior and Senior year guide to planning and applying for college.