State and Federal Resources

The following programs are administered by various agencies in the State of California and around the United States. Please consult each program's website for further information.

Assumption Program of Loans for Education (APLE)

The APLE program is a state-funded competitive teacher incentive program administered by the California Student Aid Commission. It is primarily designed to encourage outstanding students who want to become K-12 teachers in subject areas where a critical shortage has been identified (such as math, science and special education) or in designated schools that meet the criteria established by the Superintendent of Public Instruction (such as low income and low performing schools).

Students must be nominated for APLE, and nominations are not made until after students begin an approved teacher preparation program at USF.

Cal Grant Program
If you are currently an undergraduate student with a Cal Grant A or B and plan to enroll in a teacher credential program, you may be eligible to renew your Cal Grant award for an additional year. The additional year of payment is provided to students who are seeking an initial teaching credential and cannot be used for other graduate level courses of study.

Perkins Loan Forgiveness
You qualify for cancellation (discharge) of up to 100 percent of a Federal Perkins Loan if: you have served full-time in a public or nonprofit elementary or secondary school system as a teacher in a school serving students from low-income families; or you are a special-education teacher, including teachers of infants, toddlers, children, or youth with disabilities; or you are a teacher in the fields of mathematics, science, foreign languages, or bilingual education, or in any other field of expertise determined by a state education agency to have a shortage of qualified teachers in that state.

Stafford Loan Forgiveness Program for Teachers
The Teacher Loan Forgiveness program is intended to encourage individuals to enter and continue in the teaching profession. Under this program, individuals who teach full-time for five consecutive, complete academic years in certain elementary and secondary schools that serve low-income families and meet other qualifications may be eligible for forgiveness of up to a combined total of $17,500 in principal and interest on their Federal Family Education Loan and/or Direct Loan program loans.

Teach Grant
The TEACH Grant provides up to $4,000 per year to graduate students who are completing course work needed to begin a career in teaching.

Troops to Teachers Program (TTT)
Troops to Teachers is a U.S. Department of Education and Department of Defense program that helps eligible military veterans begin new careers as teachers in K-12 public, private, and charter schools where their skills, knowledge, and experience are most needed. State and regional Troops to Teachers offices provide participants with counseling and assistance regarding certification requirements, routes to state certification, and employment leads. Additionally, generous financial assistance may be provided to eligible individuals who wish to serve as teachers in schools serving a high percentage of students from low-income families.