Introducing Mount Tamalpais College

For nearly 25 years, Mount Tamalpais College—formerly known as the Prison University Project and Patten University at San Quentin—has provided a world-class higher education to students who are incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison. In 2022, we were granted Initial Accreditation by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. We are an academic institution unlike any other in the U.S: an independent liberal arts college specifically dedicated to serving incarcerated students.

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NEWS SPOTLIGHT

Annual Alumni Gathering

August 28, 2024

Inside the College in Prison that Lowers the Re-arrest Rate by 93%

August 8, 2024

Lessons from a Bird

August 5, 2024

A 28-year Commitment to Education

2023
In June, the first official Mount Tamalpais College diplomas are awarded to 20 graduates at San Quentin.
2023

In June, the first official Mount Tamalpais College diplomas are awarded to 20 graduates at San Quentin.

2022
Mount Tamalpais College is granted accreditation by ACCJC, becoming the nation’s only independent liberal arts college whose main campus is located inside a prison and is dedicated solely to serving incarcerated people.
2022

Mount Tamalpais College is granted accreditation by ACCJC, becoming the nation’s only independent liberal arts college whose main campus is located inside a prison and is dedicated solely to serving incarcerated people.

2020
In September, the Prison University Project completes its name change and officially becomes Mount Tamalpais College.
2020

In September, the Prison University Project completes its name change and officially becomes Mount Tamalpais College.

2020
In January, five years after its first conversation with ACCJC, the Prison University Project is awarded Candidate status.
2020

In January, five years after its first conversation with ACCJC, the Prison University Project is awarded Candidate status.

2019
In October, the Prison University Project hosts a four-day site visit with a 10-member peer review team to determine the organization’s readiness for accreditation.
2019

In October, the Prison University Project hosts a four-day site visit with a 10-member peer review team to determine the organization’s readiness for accreditation.

2019
In August, the Prison University Project’s 229-page Institutional Self-Evaluation Report is submitted to ACCJC.
2019

In August, the Prison University Project’s 229-page Institutional Self-Evaluation Report is submitted to ACCJC.

2019
From March to July, the staff and board conduct an institutional self-evaluation process focused on the degree to which the Prison University Project meets the Standards of Accreditation.
2019

From March to July, the staff and board conduct an institutional self-evaluation process focused on the degree to which the Prison University Project meets the Standards of Accreditation.

2019
In February, the Prison University Project is awarded Eligibility status by ACCJC, signaling that the organization may move forward with its formal application for accreditation.
2019

In February, the Prison University Project is awarded Eligibility status by ACCJC, signaling that the organization may move forward with its formal application for accreditation.

2018
The process of applying for accreditation from ACCJC begins in earnest. Mary Ellen Petrisko, former president of the WASC Senior College Commission, is hired as a key advisor.
2018

The process of applying for accreditation from ACCJC begins in earnest. Mary Ellen Petrisko, former president of the WASC Senior College Commission, is hired as a key advisor.

2018
Patten/UniversityNow announces that they have sold their online platform to JFK University (part of the National University system) and will be closing Patten in 2019.
2018

Patten/UniversityNow announces that they have sold their online platform to JFK University (part of the National University system) and will be closing Patten in 2019.

2015
The Prison University Project discusses the prospect of seeking accreditation with the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) for the first time.
2015

The Prison University Project discusses the prospect of seeking accreditation with the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) for the first time.

2015
The Prison University Project continues to explore the pros and cons of independence vs. establishing a new partnership; discussions with two potential college partners stall due to financial instability and leadership transitions at the institutions.
2015

The Prison University Project continues to explore the pros and cons of independence vs. establishing a new partnership; discussions with two potential college partners stall due to financial instability and leadership transitions at the institutions.

2015
President Obama awards the Prison University Project the National Humanities Medal.
2015

President Obama awards the Prison University Project the National Humanities Medal.

2014
Prison University Project staff begin to explore other college partners, as well as the feasibility of pursuing independence, after Patten University is acquired by UniversityNow.
2014

Prison University Project staff begin to explore other college partners, as well as the feasibility of pursuing independence, after Patten University is acquired by UniversityNow.

2006
The Prison University Project receives a major grant from the Sunshine Lady Foundation and is incorporated as an independent 501(c)3.
2006

The Prison University Project receives a major grant from the Sunshine Lady Foundation and is incorporated as an independent 501(c)3.

2003
The Prison University Project is founded as a fiscally-sponsored project of the Tides Center.
2003

The Prison University Project is founded as a fiscally-sponsored project of the Tides Center.

2000
After serving four years as a volunteer, Jody Lewen takes over as Director of the College Program.
2000

After serving four years as a volunteer, Jody Lewen takes over as Director of the College Program.

1999
The first student from the College Program is awarded the Associate of Arts degree.
1999

The first student from the College Program is awarded the Associate of Arts degree.

1996
Oakland’s Patten University helps launch the College Program—together with an education administrator at San Quentin, a volunteer coordinator from UC Davis, and no budget. For 20 years, it remains the only on-site degree-granting program in a California prison.
1996

Oakland’s Patten University helps launch the College Program—together with an education administrator at San Quentin, a volunteer coordinator from UC Davis, and no budget. For 20 years, it remains the only on-site degree-granting program in a California prison.

1994
The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act is passed. As a result, the number of prison higher-ed programs nationally drops from over 300 to fewer than ten.
1994

The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act is passed. As a result, the number of prison higher-ed programs nationally drops from over 300 to fewer than ten.