Together We Climb: Celebrating 30 Years

On April 18, Mount Tamalpais College alumni, faculty, staff, partners, and friends gathered in San Francisco for a gala celebrating 30 years of teaching, learning, and transformation at San Quentin. In honor of this milestone, we invite you to explore the history of the College Program at San Quentin, learn how MTC supports students and alumni today, and invest in the future of the College.

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NEWS SPOTLIGHT

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February 24, 2026

Alumni Spotlight: Sam Vaughn

February 24, 2026

MTC Resource Fair Connects Students with Reentry Resources

October 29, 2025

A 30-year Commitment to Education

1994
The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 bars people in prison in the U.S from receiving Pell Grants. As a result, the number of prison higher education programs nationally drops from several hundred to fewer than ten.
1994

The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 bars people in prison in the U.S from receiving Pell Grants. As a result, the number of prison higher education programs nationally drops from several hundred to fewer than ten.

1996
Patten College, based in Oakland, CA, together with an education administrator at San Quentin and a faculty member from UC Davis, launch a small Associate of Arts degree program at San Quentin (read more).
1996

Patten College, based in Oakland, CA, together with an education administrator at San Quentin and a faculty member from UC Davis, launch a small Associate of Arts degree program at San Quentin (read more).

Without a budget, the program relies entirely on volunteer faculty, Patten’s uncompensated administrative services, and donated supplies. For 20 years, it remains the only on-site degree-granting program in a California prison.

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

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

2000
After serving for one year as a volunteer, Jody Lewen takes over as Director of the College Program at San Quentin.
2000

After serving for one year as a volunteer, Jody Lewen takes over as Director of the College Program at San Quentin.

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.

2006
The Prison University Project receives a transformational $250,000 grant from the Sunshine Lady Foundation and is incorporated as an independent 501(c)(3).
2006

The Prison University Project receives a transformational $250,000 grant from the Sunshine Lady Foundation and is incorporated as an independent 501(c)(3).

2007
By 2007, as a result of increased support from San Quentin staff and access to more resources, supplies, classroom space, and instructional time, the College Program’s educational offerings have significantly expanded.
2007

By 2007, as a result of increased support from San Quentin staff and access to more resources, supplies, classroom space, and instructional time, the College Program’s educational offerings have significantly expanded.

2014
After Patten is acquired by a for-profit, online college, the Prison University Project begins to explore other college partners, as well as the prospect of becoming independent.
2014

After Patten is acquired by a for-profit, online college, the Prison University Project begins to explore other college partners, as well as the prospect of becoming independent.

2015
The Prison University Project is awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama.
2015

The Prison University Project is awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama.

2020
The Prison University Project completes its name change and officially becomes Mount Tamalpais College.
2020

The Prison University Project completes its name change and officially becomes Mount Tamalpais College.

2021
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, MTC delivers care packages and other critical supplies to every person incarcerated within CDCR—over 100,000 people—as well as food trucks for prison staff at every institution in CA.
2021

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, MTC delivers care packages and other critical supplies to every person incarcerated within CDCR—over 100,000 people—as well as food trucks for prison staff at every institution in CA.

2022
Mount Tamalpais College achieves accreditation by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) as an independent liberal arts college.
2022

Mount Tamalpais College achieves accreditation by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) as an independent liberal arts college.

2023
Mount Tamalpais College awards its first diplomas as an independent college to 20 graduates at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center.
2023

Mount Tamalpais College awards its first diplomas as an independent college to 20 graduates at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center.

2024
MTC President Jody Lewen is awarded the McGraw Prize—a prestigious national award that recognizes individuals whose innovative accomplishments make a difference in the lives of students.
2024

MTC President Jody Lewen is awarded the McGraw Prize—a prestigious national award that recognizes individuals whose innovative accomplishments make a difference in the lives of students.

2026
Mount Tamalpais College celebrates 30 years of teaching, learning, and transformation at San Quentin.
2026

Mount Tamalpais College celebrates 30 years of teaching, learning, and transformation at San Quentin.