California has approved a new statewide stipend program designed to provide financial support to student teachers completing the unpaid classroom hours required for credentialing. 

Signed into law on June 27, Assembly Bill 121 establishes the Student Teacher Stipend Program, which will provide a $10,000 stipend to eligible student teachers who complete a minimum of 500 hours of student teaching. The program is scheduled to launch in the 2026–27 academic year and aims to strengthen California’s teacher workforce by reducing financial barriers for future educators. 

Funding for the program will come from the California General Fund. The state has committed $300 million for the 2025–26 fiscal year, with up to $100 million per year anticipated beginning in 2026–27, subject to future budget approvals. 

Stipends will be distributed through local educational agencies, including school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education, that host student teachers, teacher residents, or teacher registered apprentices. Intern credential holders are not eligible under the program guidelines. Participating agencies will apply for funding through an online application process administered by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. 

The program is noncompetitive, meaning eligible agencies that apply may receive funding based on availability. While the stipend is intended to support student teachers directly, agencies may also use awarded funds to offset teacher registered apprentice wages or provide support to teacher residents who are not funded through other residency programs. 

For students preparing to enter the teaching profession, this new initiative represents a significant step toward addressing the financial challenges of clinical practice. At Chapman University’s Attallah College of Educational Studies, the program aligns with the college’s commitment to preparing and supporting future teachers while strengthening the state’s teacher pipeline. 

For additional information, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing has established a dedicated email for questions at STSP@ctc.ca.gov