Credential Programs

Student Teacher Stipend Program

The Student Teacher Stipend Program (STSP) is a state-funded initiative (AB 121) that provides $10,000 stipends to eligible teacher candidates during clinical practice. The goal is to reduce financial hardship and strengthen the teacher workforce pipeline.

Program Snapshot

Stipend

  • $10,000 per eligible candidate.

Eligibility

  • Enrolled in an accredited teacher preparation program, with the exception of Interns and Teacher Residents with current state-funded stipends.
  • Completing ≥500 hours of clinical practice.
  • Meets professional fitness requirements.

Funding Model

  • First-come, first-served (non-competitive).

Start Date

  • July 1, 2026 (2026–27 academic year).

Fund Flow

  • Local Education Agencies (LEAs, i.e., school districts) receive funds.
  • LEAs disburse stipends directly to candidates during the school year in which they are completing their student teaching.

Application Structure

  • No Request for Applications (RFA) process for LEA partners.
  • Requires coordination between Fresno State (IHE) and LEA partners using the STSP grant management system.
  • Student Teachers do not apply directly.

FAQs

There is no Student Teacher Stipend Program (STSP) application for Fresno State teaching credential students to complete.  

Eligible

Fresno State Teaching Credential Students who are in good standing in their credential program. 

Fresno State Teaching Credential Students with a valid Certificate of Clearance.

Fresno State Teaching Credential Students working toward the completion of more than 500 clinical practice hours who are enrolled in one of the following clinical practice courses:

  • EHD 178
  • EHD 170
  • SPED 111
  • SPED 171/172
  • SPED 173
  • SPED 175/176
  • SPED 178
  • EHD 155A
  • EHD 155B
  • LEE 100/101
  • LEE 105
  • LEE 107
Not Eligible
Students in the Internship and Residency Pathways are not eligible for the Student Teacher Stipend Program (STSP).

The Student Teacher Stipend Program (STSP) is a new law, and the first of its kind in California. As such, there may be delays to stipend disbursement due to unexpected issues. This is the pilot year, and data will be collected to improve the process over time. That being said, Fresno State will do its part to meet the timeline we have set as a goal. 

Timeline - Major Milestones

September 1, 2026
Fresno State submits teaching credential student verification of clinical practice placement to Local Education Agencies (LEAs, i.e., school districts).

December 18, 2026
LEAs have distributed stipend funds to eligible teaching credential students

IMPORTANT
The timeline will not allow you to receive the stipend in time to pay your fall tuition bill. Be prepared to pay your bill so you are not dropped from your courses. Consider working with Fresno State Financial Aid to request a fee deferment due to the STSP timeline. 

 

teacher reads to students, holding a book in front of a class.