Educators should reflect the diversity of the schools in which they teach, serving as role models to their students and promoting inclusion in their communities. CSforCA works to address the critical need for qualified CS teachers across California. This summer, CSforCA helped pass policy that lowering barriers to funding teacher credentialing in the latest amendments to the Computer Science Supplementary Authorization (CSSA) Incentive Grant program.
The CSSA is an add-on K-12 authorization that provides the content and pedagogical knowledge needed to teach and/or integrate standard-aligned computer science (CS) education. While teachers with other credentials (e.g., Math, Business) are allowed to teach CS at the secondary level, the CSSA is the only pathway in the state that allows teachers to build the expertise needed to be a high-quality CS teacher. Supplementary Authorizations may be added to:
CSSA programs are offered in-person, online, or hybrid at colleges and universities throughout California. Find a program near you or ask your local higher ed institution if they participate as this list is evolving:
In July 2021, Governor Newsom allocated $15 million in the state budget for the Computer Science Supplementary Authorization Incentive Grant (CSSAIG), which helps Local Education Agencies (LEAs) pay for teachers acquiring their CS supplementary authorization. Originally $2,500 per teacher, CSforCA Policy working group collaborated with Assemblymember Marc Berman's office to pass amendments to increase support to $6,000 per teacher as of August 2026 and extended the program to 2030. There is a one-third match requirement for each grant dollar received, and matching funds may be actual funds and/or in-kind as outlined in the authorizing legislation. See our handy LEA Application Guide for the CSSAIG designed to help districts access this funding to bring more CS teachers to your schools!
