Financial Supports

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 in reimbursements 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.  Participants will be reimbursed for approved expenditures after they have submitted an invoice and proof of payment. Approved expenditures may include tuition, books, testing, and other academic support services.
• 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.

For more information please contact Educator Pathways:

Email: Educatorpathways@sdcoe.net

Phone number: 858-298-2051

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)

Up to $20,000

Accepting applications through April 1, 2024, or until all funds have been awarded, whichever occurs first.

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Be currently enrolled in a California-based professional preparation program approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). 

  • List of eligible schools: Approved Institutions and Programs
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP)
• Be working toward a preliminary teaching or pupil personnel services credential.
• Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid) or CA Dream Act Application (CA Dream Act Application).
• Complete their program and obtain their credential within 6 years from the first distribution of GSTG funds.
• Commit to work at a priority school or a California preschool program for 4 years within 8 years of completing their program.

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.

Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan

You will not have to pay UC’s systemwide tuition and fees out of your own pocket if you are a California resident whose total family income is less than $80,000 a year and you qualify for financial aid

Eligibility Requirements:

• Submit a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application and Cal Grant GPA Verification Form by March 2
• California resident or have AB 540 status
• Demonstrate total family income below $80,000 and financial need, as determined for federal need-based aid programs
• Be in your first four years as a UC undergraduate (first two for transfer students)
• Meet other campus basic requirements for UC grant aid (for example, be enrolled at least half-time during the academic year, meet campus academic progress standards, not be in default on student loans, etc.
• You will be automatically considered when you submit these forms by March 2; there is no separate application for this program.

Native American Opportunity Plan

In-state systemwide Tuition and Student Services Fees will be fully covered by either UC financial aid or another federal, state or other financial aid program    .
Applies to undergraduate and graduate students
 
 
Eligibility requirements:

• Students must meet all of the following criteria:
• Must be a current or newly admitted University of California undergraduate, graduate or professional school student.
• Must be a California Resident.
• Must be an enrolled member in a federally recognized Native American, American Indian and/or Alaska Native tribe.
• Must be enrolled in a qualifying UC degree program.
• UC will reach out directly to new and continuing students who might be eligible with instructions. Documentation of tribal enrollment may include any of the following:
• Certification of tribal enrollment on tribal letterhead.
• Enrollment/membership card that contains the tribal seal and/or official signature of a tribal leader.
• Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) if the CDIB includes tribal enrollment information.
• Tribal identification card with an enrollment number. You must also submit tribal contact information (address, phone, and email) if it is not evident on submitted documentation.
   

Tuition discounts can be applied to credentials and degree programs

Alliant International University is proud to be an educational partner of the San Diego County Office of Education and districts! We offer a variety of online degrees, certificates, and credentials in education that prepare you for teaching, counseling, and leadership.  We also offer campus-based master’s and doctoral programs in other areas at our campus in Scripps Ranch. Employees of SDCOE and partnering districts are eligible for preferred pricing and an application fee waiver. For program and partnership information please contact denise.garcia-macias@alliant.edu 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.
 

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
 

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 & 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
 

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

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

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