1. What is the Classified Scholarship Program?
   Classified school employees of Santa Clara and Alameda counties pursuing a teaching career with SCCOE’s partner institutions of higher education are awarded scholarships of $4,000 per year. The funding can be used towards the cost of tuition, exams, and textbooks that are required in coursework and programs that meet state teacher preparation standards and lead to a teaching credential. Classified employees who are awarded the funding commit to teaching one year in a public school, in their county, for every year of financial assistance received.
2. Why does the Classified Scholarship Program exist?
   The State created this program to establish innovative models for teacher education response to teacher shortages and improve teacher retention. This program’s high retention rates are due in part to the fact that participants have experience working in public schools, school districts, and county offices of education. Therefore, program graduates have a demonstrated commitment to students and do not experience the culture shock that might be experienced by individuals with little or no classroom experience.
3. ​ Who is Eligible for the Classified Scholarship Program?
   1. Employed or previously employed by a public school district and working as a classified employee (e.g., paraprofessional​, instructional aide, school office manager).
   2. Completion of 48 semester or 60 quarter units, or an associates degree transferable a bachelor’s degree at a post secondary, regionally accredited educational institution.
   3. Agrees to become a TK (PK-3), Multiple Subjects, Single Subject Math, Single Subject Science, or Special Education teacher, and/or a bilingual authorization.
   4. Enrolled in a partnering University/Credential Program.
   5. Obtained a Certificate of Clearance from the Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CTC).​
      
   ​
4. ​​​ What do I receive as a Classified Grant Program Participant?
   
   1. $4,000 per year. Participants will be invited to reapply each year (July) and must upload a current grade report and updated completion plan that shows candidates are making progress towards completing their degree program and/or teacher credentialing goals.
   2. Academic and non-academic support is available. Including academic advice at EPP and at participating universities that give participants the information and professional development necessary to make the leap from classified service to certificated service.
   ​
5. ​ What happens if I (1) Fail a course, (2) Withdraw from a course or, (3) Receive an incomplete?
   You must show proof that you are making adequate progress towards completing your degree program and/or teacher credentialing program.
6. ​ What happens if I resign my Classified employment to start an intern position or student teaching?
   Documentation from the school district employing you and the institution of higher education you are attending is required when reapplying each year.
7. ​What happens if I drop-out of my degree and/or credentialing program?
   SCCOE, EPP is required to report the names of all those who drop from the program to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing annually. If you have dropped out of your degree and/or credentialing program to enroll in a participating credentialing program and/university, please contact our office as soon as possible.
8. What happens if I decide that I can no longer continue in this program?
   SCCOE, EPP is required to report the names of all those who drop from the program to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing annually.
9. ​​​​ What happens once I receive my preliminary credential?
   Once you receive your preliminary credential, you must notify SCCOE, EPP. When confirmed, the program will send you an official graduation letter with further instructions for completing required years of service. To fulfill your commitment to the program, you must teach on a preliminary and/or clear credential one year in a Santa Clara County public school district for every school year of financial assistance received.

The Classified School Employee Teacher Credential Grant​ addresses the state’s teacher shortage in STEM, special education, bilingual education, and transitional kindergarten, by supporting local education agencies (LEAs) to recruit classified school employees into teaching careers and support their undergraduate education, professional teacher preparation, and certification as credentialed California teachers.

In July 2021, the state appropriated $125 million to expand the California Classified School Employees Teacher Credentialing Program for another five years. Classified program participants receive financial assistance for degree and credentialing-related expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and examination costs; academic guidance; and other forms of individualized support to help them complete their undergraduate education, teacher preparation program, and transition to becoming credentialed teachers.