Grow Within: Career Development Funding
Discover career advancement opportunities and educational pathways designed to help SBCSS employees reach their professional goals.
Watch the video to hear from employees just like you who took advantage of these opportunities to grow within and transformed their lives through education.
Opportunities with the SBCSS Logo are exclusively available to SBCSS employees.
Please keep in mind that these are a collection of federal, state, and local funding opportunities. Each opportunity has a different application method and funding agency associated with it. Follow up with each respective agency to confirm eligibility requirements and application deadlines. All students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application is required to determine your eligibility for Federal and State grants, scholarships, and loans.
Choose Your Pathway
Teaching Pathways
Select the option that best describes your current education level to see funding opportunities available to you.
- If you have some college credits (less than 60 units)
- If you have 60+ college units (but no bachelor's degree)
- If you have a Bachelor's Degree
If you have some college credits (less than 60 units)
If you have fewer than 60 college units, you'll need to complete additional coursework to qualify for most teaching credential programs. Here are options to help you on your path:
SBCSS Tuition Reimbursement
Tailored for Confidential employees, California School Employees Association (CSEA) Chapter 633 members, and Teamsters Local 1932-unit members who are permanent employees of SBCSS.
- Up to 50% of tuition, fees, and parking costs
- Up to 100% of book costs
- $10,000 annual fund available
You can check the Bargaining Agreements page to stay up to date with SBCSS employee opportunities.
CA College Promise Grant
Covers tuition costs at California community colleges while you complete your lower-division courses.
- No cost tuition at community colleges for eligible students
- Complete lower-division coursework
- Prepare for transfer to four-year university
CA College Fee Waiver Program
For dependents of deceased or disabled veterans.
- Waives tuition and fees at CA public colleges
- Offered by San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs
- Multiple plans available based on eligibility
- Only available for California Community Colleges, CSUs and UCs
CSEA Member Career Grant
Financial assistance for CSEA members.
- Support for career advancement goals
- Available to active CSEA members
- Competitive selection process
CSEA Union Plus Scholarship
Scholarships for CSEA members and their families.
- Ranges from $500 to $4,000
- For continuing education or college
- Based on academic achievement and financial need
Federal TEACH Grant
Financial aid for students completing coursework needed to begin a teaching career in high-need fields at schools serving low-income students.
- Up to $4,000 per year in grant funds
- Four-year teaching service commitment in high-need field at low-income school
- Available to undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and graduate students
Next Steps
Focus on completing at least 60 transferable college units to qualify for other programs. Meet with an academic counselor to ensure your coursework aligns with teacher preparation requirements.
If you have 60+ college units (but no bachelor's degree)
With 60+ semester units, you qualify for additional funding options while you complete your bachelor's degree:
SBCSS Tuition Reimbursement
Tailored for Confidential employees, California School Employees Association (CSEA) Chapter 633 members, and Teamsters Local 1932-unit members who are permanent employees of SBCSS.
- Up to 50% of tuition, fees, and parking costs
- Up to 100% of book costs
- $10,000 annual fund available
You can check the Bargaining Agreements page to stay up to date with SBCSS employee opportunities.
Classified Employee Grant
Financial assistance for classified employees pursuing teaching credentials.
- Up to $4,320 per fiscal year
- Covers tuition, books, testing, and living stipend
- Must have 60+ college units
- Must be pursuing a preliminary teaching credential
Teachers for Tomorrow Program
Financial support for classified employees pursuing teaching credentials.
- Up to $3,000 per year for tuition assistance
- Payments made directly to college/university
- Application and interview process required
- Up to 16 participants selected annually
LES Foundation Scholarship
Financial support for future teachers in junior, senior or graduate years of accredited teaching programs at UC and CSU campuses.
- $4,000 scholarships to 30 colleges annually
- Additional $1,000 grants from Mabel Outler Scholarship Fund for elementary education
- Administered through financial aid offices at participating UC and CSU campuses
Golden State Teacher Grant
If you're in a dual bachelor's/credential program, you could qualify for this state-wide grant opportunity for future teachers.
- Up to $20,000 available
- For those pursuing teaching credentials
- Priority to high-need fields and schools
- Requires commitment to teach in high-need subject or school
CA College Fee Waiver Program
For dependents of deceased or disabled veterans.
- Waives tuition and fees at CA public colleges
- Offered by San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs
- Multiple plans available based on eligibility
- Only available for California Community Colleges, CSUs and UCs
CSEA Member Career Grant
Financial assistance for CSEA members.
- Support for career advancement goals
- Available to active CSEA members
- Competitive selection process
CSEA Union Plus Scholarship
Scholarships for CSEA members and their families.
- Ranges from $500 to $4,000
- For continuing education or college
- Based on academic achievement and financial need
Keep in Mind
You'll need to complete your bachelor's degree before entering a teacher credential program. Consider programs that offer an integrated bachelor's and credential pathway to streamline your journey.
If you have a Bachelor's Degree
With a bachelor's degree, you're ready to pursue a teaching credential or an integrated master's. These programs can help fund your credential program:
SBCSS Teacher Residency Grant
Prepare for a career in special education through a residency program with Claremont Graduate University.
- $31,700 grant-funded living stipend
- 80% paraeducator salary and generous benefits
- Limited to paraeducators who have passed probation
- Master's degree in 12-18 months
- Requires 4-year service commitment to SBCSS
Early Ed. Teacher Development
Specialized support for Transitional Kindergarten preparation.
- For prekindergarten teachers and paraprofessionals with or without credentials
- Preparation for TK classroom teaching
- Professional development opportunities
- Also available for multiple subject and PK-3 credentials
Golden State Teacher Grant
State-wide grant opportunity for future teachers.
- Up to $20,000 available
- For those pursuing teaching credentials
- Priority to high-need fields and schools
- Requires commitment to teach in high-need subject or school
CA College Fee Waiver Program
For dependents of deceased or disabled veterans.
- Waives tuition and fees at CA public colleges
- Offered by San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs
- Multiple plans available based on eligibility
- Only available for California Community Colleges, CSUs and UCs
CSEA Member Career Grant
Financial assistance for CSEA members.
- Support for career advancement goals
- Available to active CSEA members
- Competitive selection process
CSEA Union Plus Scholarship
Scholarships for CSEA members and their families.
- Ranges from $500 to $4,000
- For continuing education or college
- Based on academic achievement and financial need
Four Pathways to Teaching
Earn While You Learn Pathway
1
Earn While You Learn
Pathway most economical option and gets you in the classroom in 4 years!
or
Step 2
CSU/UC - Bachelor's Degree
Get your tuition covered by:
or
Step 3
Intern Credential
Apply for a full-time paid teaching job and internship program.
Example:
Single Subject Credential Program
or
or
Teacher Internship Program
Apply for a full-time paid teaching job and internship program.
Example:
Single Subject Credential Program
or
Traditional Route: 4 Years
Traditional Route: 5 Years
3
Traditional Route:
5 Years
or
Step 2
CSU/UC - Bachelor's Degree
Get your tuition covered by:
or
Step 3
Credentialing Program
or
or
Teacher Internship Program
Apply for a full-time paid teaching job and internship program.
Example:
Single Subject Credential Program
or
Already have your Bachelor's?
4
Already Have Your
Degree? Get Your
Credential Through A:
Credentialing Program
Get your tuition covered by:
or
or
Teacher Internship Program
Apply for a full-time paid teaching job and internship program.
Example:
Single Subject Credential Program
or
Become a substitute teacher today via an emergency substitute license.
Career Advancement Pathways
Explore the career advancement opportunities available to you.
Become a Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologist Tuition Program
Substantial tuition reimbursement for professionals pursuing a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology, with increasing reimbursement rates as you progress through your program.
Reimbursement Rates:
- 70% for units 1-20 (up to $10,500)
- 85% for units 21-40 (up to $12,750)
- 100% for units 41+ (up to $15,000)
Eligibility
- Bachelor's degree in communicative disorders or related field
- Acceptance into SLP Master's program
- Pass SBCSS pre-employment requirements
Commitment
- Five-year service commitment with SBCSS after program completion
- Submit proof of completion each semester
- Student responsible for non-tuition expenses
These opportunities are subject to change. Please click learn more to find the most up-to-date information.
Additional Funding Opportunities
SBCSS Tuition Reimbursement
Tailored for Confidential employees, California School Employees Association (CSEA) Chapter 633 members, and Teamsters Local 1932-unit members who are permanent employees of SBCSS.
- Up to 50% of tuition, fees, and parking costs
- Up to 100% of book costs
- $10,000 annual fund available
You can check the Bargaining Agreements page to stay up to date with SBCSS employee opportunities.
SLP Hiring Incentive
One-time hiring bonus for qualified Speech-Language Pathologists joining SBCSS.
- $2,000 hiring incentive paid within 90 days of employment start
- Must possess CA SLP License or Clear SLP Credential
- Requires one-year service commitment to SBCSS
SLP Supervision Compensation
Additional compensation for Speech-Language Pathologists who supervise CFY students or waiver SLP employees.
- Compensation for up to 12 hours per trimester (36 hours annually) of CFY supervision
- Stipend for supervising waiver SLP employees
- Pre-authorization from Principal required
CSEA Union Plus Scholarship
Scholarships for CSEA members and their families.
- Ranges from $500 to $4,000
- For continuing education or college
- Based on academic achievement and financial need
CA College Fee Waiver Program
For dependents of deceased or disabled veterans.
- Waives tuition and fees at CA public colleges
- Offered by San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs
- Multiple plans available based on eligibility
- Only available for California Community Colleges, CSUs and UCs
CSEA Member Career Grant
Financial assistance for CSEA members.
- Support for career advancement goals
- Available to active CSEA members
- Competitive selection process
General Funding Opportunities
Advance Your Career
Discover financial assistance opportunities for professional growth no matter your career goals.
SBCSS Tuition Reimbursement
This program aims to facilitate and financially support these employees in their pursuit of higher education:
- Confidential employees
- California School Employees Association (CSEA) Chapter 633 members
- Teamsters Local 1932-unit members who are permanent employees of SBCSS.
Become a Mentor Teacher
As a part of the SBCSS Teacher Residency Grant, you can:
- Experience job-embedded professional development that grows your teaching and coaching practice
- Participate in a learning community that includes CGU faculty, Clinical Faculty Advisors, and other Mentor Teachers
- Convert your experience into professional credit units
- Receive a $3000 stipend
CA College Fee Waiver Program
For dependents of deceased or disabled veterans.
- Waives tuition and fees at CA public colleges
- Offered by San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs
- Multiple plans available based on eligibility
- Only available for California Community Colleges, CSUs and UCs
CSEA Member Career Grant
Financial assistance for CSEA members.
- Support for career advancement goals
- Available to active CSEA members
- Competitive selection process
CSEA Union Plus Scholarship
Scholarships for CSEA members and their families.
- Ranges from $500 to $4,000
- For continuing education or college
- Based on academic achievement and financial need
Institution-Specific Tuition Discounts
Special tuition rates offered exclusively to SBCSS employees by partner colleges and universities.
Other Partner Institutions
Various discounts may be available through other partnering colleges and universities.
Learn MoreSupriya Barrows
Human Resources Special Projects Manager
For additional information, please call 909.388.5778.
760 East Brier Drive
San Bernardino, CA 92408