For Equity and Excellence in Teacher Preparation
The CSU Residency Year Scholarship was begun in the 2019-20 year with an initial generous investment of $3.1 million by the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation. In that first year, the $10,000 scholarship supported 328 aspiring teachers who were motivated to make a difference in their schools and communities. In summer 2020, the Yellow Chair Foundation provided a gift of $500,000 in support of the residency scholarship. During the 2020-21 year, an additional 154 aspiring teachers were supported with a $5,000 scholarship. This generous funding has helped these candidates access a clinical teaching experience spanning an entire academic year—adding to their credential with powerful real-world experience earned under the guidance of an experienced mentor teacher. Through the Residency Year Scholarship, teacher candidates focused on building their knowledge and skills with less need for outside work and less debt, to ensure that they were ready for day one as a beginning teacher.
In spring 2021, the Yellow Chair Foundation provided an additional gift of $1,000,000 over the next two years (2021-2023) in support of the residency scholarship and applications for the next academic year (2022-23) will be accepted soon through a CSU-supported campus process.
The scholarship award from this additional investment is $5,000. Funders interested in supporting the CSU Residency Year Scholarship are encouraged to contact the CSU Chancellor’s Office (see contact information below).
Why Residency?
The CSU Residency Year Scholarship supports high-quality clinical preparation of prospective teachers. Research supports that strong residency programs help candidates gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed on their first day as a teacher. Through this scholarship, candidates:
- Are mentored by a carefully selected and trained teacher who models best practice skills and pedagogies.
- Participate in the full arc of an academic year, preparing for the rhythms and activities of the school calendar.
- Are supported by educators in their CSU and school district who collaborated to make the residency a success.
- Gain experience in a school district serving low-income students, English learners, and/or children with disabilities.
Eligibilty
The scholarship is designed to serve candidates in CSU teacher residency programs and is available to those committed to teaching in a high-need school for at least two years. The scholarship supports program-recommended candidates with financial need who demonstrate excellent academic performance, significant personal achievements, and community service.
Scholarship award criteria for applicants:
- Interest in teaching English learners, earning a bilingual credential, teaching in urban or high-need schools, or supporting students with special needs;
- Financial need as determined by the campus Financial Aid Office;
- Enrolled in an approved CSU residency program (Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or Education Specialist) during the semester of the awarded scholarship;
- Good academic standing as determined by the campus residency program.
Stories of Impact
Read about the experiences of teacher candidates who received the scholarship.
Download Stories
Scholarship Report
Read the report on the Residency Year Scholarship for the 2019–20 academic year.
Download Report
Contact
Marquita Grenot-Scheyer, Ph.D.
Assistant Vice Chancellor, Educator Preparation & Public School Programs
California State University, Office of the Chancellor
562-951-4747