Mount Tamalpais College

MTC News

Mount Tamalpais College President Honored with 2024 McGraw Prize in Education

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In noteworthy news, Mount Tamalpais College President Dr. Jody Lewen has been honored with the 2024 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education. This prestigious award, which has been described as the Nobel Prize of education, champions the work of three visionary leaders who have had a profound impact on pre-K-12, lifelong learning, and higher education.

Dr. Lewen, who received the prize for higher education, has devoted over two decades to advocating for and transforming higher education in prisons. She founded Mount Tamalpais College, co-founded the Alliance for Higher Education in Prison, and has advised countless policymakers and other prison education programs nationwide. Said Dr. Lewen, “I am delighted and honored to receive this award, and especially grateful to the McGraw Family Foundation for their recognition that higher education in prison is — higher education.”

The below video, made in honor of the achievement, celebrates Dr. Lewen’s monumental contributions to higher education in prison.

Dr. Lewen accepted the award in New York City on November 14, 2024. In her acceptance speech, she reflected on the fear partners often had about supporting incarcerated communities—the fear of being judged for having compassion for what is, societally, a stigmatized or vilified group.

“Dealing with such tension in any setting can be terribly taxing and isolating,” she said, “but there is also no more satisfying and transformative work than learning to push past it—doing what you believe is right, holding your ground, and living to tell the tale.” 

Watch her full acceptance speech below.

Dr. Lewen was also interviewed by KTVU Fox 2 News about the award and the role of higher education in prison. To learn more about the award and other esteemed recipients, read the McGraw Family Foundation’s full press release.

Annual Alumni Gathering

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On August 17, Mount Tamalpais College held its 2nd Annual Alumni gathering at a beautiful park in San Leandro, attracting many alumni, faculty, and their families. As the sun rose, the park, cuddled beside the sparkling waters, was already excited.

Alumni Affairs Associate Corey McNeal and Chief of Staff Bekki Lee-Wendt were among the early arrivals, greeting the increasing crowd with warm welcomes. As the festivities kicked off, I adjusted a few chess pieces, catching the eye of alumnus Raphael Calix, who noticed that one of the pieces had mysteriously moved.

College faculty member Alex Naeve shared her thoughts, saying, “It was incredible to see so many alumni outside the walls of San Quentin. I really enjoyed hearing about what each person is pursuing and hoping to accomplish in their professional life, now that there are so many new possibilities.”

Throughout the day, familiar faces of alumni Larry White, Nghiep ‘Ke’ Lam, Chuck Longley, Louis Calvin, Sam Johnson, Bryan Richie, and many more could be seen around the park. The event was a heartwarming reunion, filled with joyful embraces, laughter, and meaningful conversations. For some, this was their first experience attending such a gathering outside the confines of San Quentin.

The atmosphere blended happiness and disbelief, with some attendees quietly expressing their amazement, saying, “I can’t believe we’re free.” Alumnus Sam Johnson, who graduated from Mount Tamalpais College when it was still the Prison University Project in 2013, reflected, “I was moved at the number of men who were formerly incarcerated with me and graduated.”

“Seeing their smiles and families moved me emotionally,” Sam added. “Because of the prison system and government officials, we had no hope of ever coming home, but here we are with friends and loved ones,” he expressed gratitude to everyone, particularly Jude, who he holds dear for believing in the impossible.

The event also provided a space for reflection. Those recently released and still adapting to life outside found comfort in sharing their experiences with other alumni. Discussions ranged from employment and voting rights to mentorship, safety, and self-care, all underpinned by a strong sense of community that offered a safe space for vulnerability, feelings of uncertainty, and deep connections.

Alumnus and soon-to-be groom Eddie Herena brightened the day with the arrival of his fiancée Jessica and their beautiful daughter Adeline. He shared, “This is considered my college reunion. I wanted to see my fellow alumni brothers and continue to build that bond and support that helped us all out during emotional times.”

This gathering not only celebrated the achievements of the alumni but also underscored the crucial role of community support as we transition back into society after incarceration.

Alex concluded, “The support and encouragement that MTC alumni show each other is remarkable. I do not doubt that this sense of fellowship and belonging will serve them–and the greater community–well for years to come.”

Student Services for the Incarcerated: How to Support Student Success

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Mount Tamalpais College staff members Corey McNeil, Alumni Affairs Associate, Dr. Windy Franklin-Martinez, Director of Student Services and Academic Advising, and Jennifer Juras, Chief of Institutional Effectiveness and Research, spoke about their work with incarcerated students at San Quentin during the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior College (ACCJC) conference in Los Angeles. They were joined by Ardis Eschenberg, Chancellor of Windward Community College, David Williams (VP of Academic Affairs), and Shanan Danley from Solano Community College’s SOAR Program.

Their presentation began with Mount Tamalpais College’s (MTC) history as an extension site of Patten University (from 1996 to 2020), which became independently accredited by ACCJC in January 2022. Many factors set MTC apart from other colleges in the room, including the fact that MTC’s faculty are volunteers, and attendance, including tuition and school supplies, is free. The presentation emphasized how student services underpin successful, intellectually rigorous, and inclusive colleges. MTC’s student services division shares commonalities with traditional colleges but has unique aspects due to its setting and student population. The subjects discussed included:

  • Services We Provide: Advising and Student Services, Learning and Development, and Alumni Affairs
  • Student Services: How does this look different in a prison setting?
  • Alumni Services: How does this look different in a prison setting?

Jennifer Juras highlighted the support MTC has within the ACCJC community and the positive reception of their presentation, noting the interest in programs in prisons among colleges. Jennifer said, “It was also apparent that there’s interest in running programs in prisons among junior and community colleges. We received many questions about how to get started.”

Dr. Windy spoke about the comprehensive student services MTC offers, including learning support services and the role of the Learning Disabilities (LD) Specialist in training and supporting faculty. The information about those services included evaluation for learning disabilities, academic accommodations, strategizing with students and faculty to improve learning outcomes, and supporting faculty with universal design and curriculum differentiation.

She emphasized the shared challenges among colleges serving incarcerated students. Corey McNeil discussed building MTC’s alumni network and supporting alumni pre-and post-release. He highlighted the importance of maintaining this network, stating, “This is important because a dialogue has taken place that helps to inform and serve current and former students as well as MTC in how it can better support the students as a whole.”

“What stuck out to me,” Corey said, “is how people from various walks of life and cultures and from around the world came together to share and learn from each other the best practices that help students fulfill their educational goals.”

For the question and answering segment of the presentation, Corey said he realized that “the questions that were being asked were indicative of the same issues that MTC has faced and most HEPs encounter, which further solidified my thoughts on how important it is for events like this to happen.”

He noted the diversity among conference attendees and the importance of events like this for sharing best practices. Corey exchanged contact information with personnel from Los Angeles City College and Solano Community College to discuss future collaborations. “My colleagues were exceptional with their part of the presentation,” Corey said. “They spoke with professionalism and knowledge that exhibited their passion for this work. I feed off their enthusiasm and energy.”

Thank you to the ACCJC for having us!

The Nature of Transformation in Prison Settings: Community Dialogue

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Transformation in prisons and the essence of real change were the focal points of Mount Tamalpais College’s Community Dialogue held on June 13. This event featured key leaders from San Quentin – MTC President Jody Lewen, Former wardens Ronald Broomfield and Robert Ayers, and former Public Information Officer Samuel Robinson – and me, an MTC alumnus.  It was both educational and inspiring, emphasizing the complex nature of real change within San Quentin.

During my 14-year incarceration at San Quentin, I observed substantial changes and had meaningful conversations about growth. The old education building was replaced by a medical center, and “medium A custody inmates” were relocated to other prisons and states. Influential figures like Robert Ayers and Ronald Broomfield created spaces that encouraged individuality and growth. Meanwhile, Sam Robinson and Jody Lewen worked diligently to prevent unnecessary transfers, exemplifying the essence of transformation.

Real change in prison is intricate, similar to geography more than science. It involves numerous dynamic elements, with behavior and trust being the most challenging aspects to address for creating a positive environment. Inclusivity is vital, and I helped establish a platform for incarcerated individuals to express their opinions through the San Quentin News Media Center. Transformation, I believe, relies on trust and transparency among all parties.

During my incarceration, a sense of camaraderie was prevalent, largely due to the safe environment fostered by Mount Tamalpais College (MTC). This environment allowed individuals to be themselves without the pressure from those resistant to change, making education the driving force behind growth and transformation.

We all understand that change in a prison setting involves everyone, including correctional officers, striving for positive growth collectively rather than individually. Effective leaders in prison should stand firm on morals and challenge the status quo. Ronald Broomfield, for instance, aimed to create an honor building to set good examples for others. Transformation requires community and stakeholder support to drive meaningful change.

A common misconception is that the Department of Corrections alone is responsible for rehabilitation. As someone who has spent close to 30 years in prison, I am also responsible for setting better examples. In reality, it is the inclusive and effective individuals within the system who drive personal growth and change, not just programs or groups. 

Many worry that change might lead to higher crime rates upon release, posing a threat to community safety. However, this concern often neglects the potential for positive transformation through comprehensive support and rehabilitation. Successful prison reform requires community involvement and societal transparency, which helps bridge the gaps between incarcerated and non-incarcerated individuals. Facilitating more community dialogues with real stakeholders can drive positive change. Real progress can only be achieved when the broader community engages in the process and comprehends its complexities and nuances.

The dialogue and insights shared at the event underscore the importance of holistic approaches to prison transformation. Personal stories and discussions about environmental and behavioral impacts highlighted the profound effect of genuine transformation, fostering growth and positive change when applied correctly. 

You can watch and share the full conversation here.

Staff Spotlight: Meet Zaw Htet

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An Interview with Zaw Htet, MTC’s Math & Science Program Director

Zaw Htet, Math & Science Program Director at Mount Tamalpais College, is one of many dedicated teachers who provide innovation and hope where it is not always found. We interviewed  Zaw to gather important insights into the teaching journey, unique challenges, and groundbreaking approaches to prison education.

A Journey of Dedication

With a background in engineering physics and biophysics and a passion for teaching, Zaw initially taught intermediate algebra classes, led a “Frontiers in Science and Technology” workshop, and volunteered in many organizations that provide education opportunities for minorities such as Upward Bound, Refugee Transitions, Be A Scientist, and Bridges to Baccalaureate Programs.

Zaw, who has been working at MTC since November 2022 says, “I love teaching or education in general. I strongly believe that access to affordable quality higher education is fundamental to empowering individuals, reducing inequality, and fostering societal progress.” Zaw’s role at MTC includes teaching math and science, managing and supporting faculty, and developing curricula tailored to the unique environment of a correctional facility.

Overcoming Obstacles

Teaching in prison presents myriad challenges that extend beyond the classroom. The challenges of Zaw’s role are not unique to teaching Math and Science; they are those faced by anyone learning or operating a college in a prison setting. Security concerns, limited resources, and the diverse educational backgrounds of those people incarcerated are just a few of the hurdles Zaw faces daily. 

Another challenge is communicating with students promptly. “I find the logistical barriers imposed by the prison most challenging,” Zaw shared. “ For example, due to the lack of reliable educational technology, instructors are not able to communicate with students in real time. Every communication takes longer and involves more logistics in prison education.”

Transformative Teaching Approaches

Despite these obstacles, Zaw has introduced several innovative approaches that have significantly enhanced the learning experience for students at MTC. Having led a “Frontiers in Science and Technology” workshop, Zaw’s methods emphasize practical application and hands-on learning, which resonate well with the students. “I would like to add exposure to cutting-edge science and technology breakthroughs from world-class scientists and researchers from Berkeley, UCSF, and Stanford,” Zaw stated.  Students were able to observe antimatter particles using the cloud chamber in the workshop.

Zaw asserts that classroom teachings “do not change drastically” when teaching at San Quentin vs. in other education institutions. However, Zaw focuses on creating a supportive and motivating classroom environment. “The most important practice I have used to engage the class effectively,” Zaw said, “is to recognize and treat students as active participants in their learning journey rather than passive recipients of information. I have focused and intentionally incorporated trauma-informed teaching practices.”

Looking Ahead 

Looking ahead, Zaw is optimistic about the future of prison education. Zaw advocates for increased support and resources, emphasizing that education is a crucial component of rehabilitation and reintegration. However, with all those tools, there is one component that must be integrated, and that is trust. “Trust,” Zaw said, “is really important in the classroom and building trust is the key to fostering a respectable learning environment for the students. …having an honest conversation builds trust in the classroom.”

“Creating a dynamic and inclusive learning space where students feel respected and empowered leads to deeper engagement and meaningful learning experiences,” Zaw says. “This varies from classroom to classroom and I am still learning from each class I have taught.”

A Celebration of Teaching & Learning in San Quentin

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Education, Exclusion & Participatory Citizenship

On a sunny March 30th, Mount Tamalpais College hosted our annual Faculty Appreciation Event inside San Quentin’s Chapel, which this year was called a “Celebration of Teaching & Learning.” Although the event usually celebrates faculty, this year was a little different.  

The College’s Dean of Academic Administration, Nandita Dinesh said to a packed Chapel before the event began, “Holding the event inside San Quentin was initiated by  faculty who suggested that, ‘For it to feel like it was truly an appreciation event, there need to be students as well.’” 

This year the event was designed around students’ presentations on the theme of teaching and learning, followed by their teacher’s responses, allowing a brief look into the “extraordinary conversations” held in those classroom spaces. 

Alumnus Michael K. Moore opened the event and touted being a 2022 graduate of Mount Tamalpais College, the first class to graduate since the college received independent accreditation. He prepared a speech called “Madness of Prison” which spoke to the misconception that we are free, having control of thoughts, feelings, and the the mind. Michael said, “Nobody can give you freedom but yourself.”

A  seven-year veteran faculty member at Mount Tamalpais College, Ian Sethre, expressed his appreciation that Michael had asked him to collaborate on their speeches together.  Ian then expounded on a recommendation by Dean Dinesh to reflect on teaching and learning. Ian thought about what he values about teaching and learning at MTC and responded, “I’m particularly interested in the intersecting issues of education, citizenship, and felony disenfranchisement.”

Amongst the other presenters were Theresa Roader who responded to Dennis Jefferson, Will Bondurant responded to Peter Bommerito, and Omair Akhtar who wrapped up the event by responding to Darryl Farris.  

The Celebration of Teaching & Learning event concluded with Akhtar speaking to the audience in response to Darryl’s speech, saying, “What communities, networks, mentors, and friends can you call on to help you navigate the world? -What is our role in that journey? (Gotta avoid white savior, we’re not main characters) -When students graduate from MTC, what do we owe them, in terms of connecting them to the people and resources to succeed and navigate new worlds, wherever they find themselves?”

Operationalizing Transformation: Advancing the Goals of the San Quentin Transformation Initiative – a white paper by MTC President Jody Lewen

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MTC President Jody Lewen recently authored a white paper entitled, Operationalizing Transformation: Advancing the Goals of the San Quentin Transformation Initiative. Following upon the report that was recently released on behalf of the Advisory Council of the San Quentin Transformation Initiative, of which Dr. Lewen served as a member, the document lays out a methodical approach for achieving the goals of the San Quentin Transformation Initiative. 

The paper also offers an alternative approach to the state of California’s current plan to invest up to $360 million in the demolition of an existing building at San Quentin and the construction of a new one in its place – instead proposing robust renovation and construction projects that would transform infrastructure across the entire prison.

The ideas presented here are solely the views, opinions, and recommendations of the author, not necessarily of other members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, or any other parties. 

Read Operationalizing Transformation here. 

Empowering Incarcerated Students: A Recap of the Pathways from Prison to Campus Workshop

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In a recent workshop on designing pathways from prison to college, hosted by the Rising Scholars Network and featuring speakers from Mount Tamalpais  College.  The audience, which consisted of higher education professionals from California’s community colleges, gained valuable insights into supporting incarcerated students’ transition to higher education on the street.

Mount Tamalpais College, shared its innovative approaches to student support. Corey McNeil, Alumni Affairs Associate, emphasized the importance of community building and re-entry support through workshops, open mic events, and alumni engagement activities. Dr. Wendy Martinez and Dr. Kirsten Pickering provided expertise on student services and research on alumni outcomes.

Throughout the workshop, the focus remained on humanizing the reintegration process and providing ongoing support to students post-release. 

Participants discussed the significance of evaluating and improving programs and the value of partnerships with community-based organizations like Bonafide Life to address students’ diverse needs.

An interesting topic of discussion was the potential for collaboration with parole officers to provide workshops on reintegration, highlighting the importance of breaking down barriers between academic institutions and correctional agencies.

We hope that participants were inspired by Mount Tamalpais  College’s collaborative and innovative approach to supporting incarcerated students. We’re grateful to have had the opportunity to speak with a dedicated community of individuals who recognize the transformative impact of education in empowering individuals seeking a second chance.

You can watch the full recording of the presentation here. 

MTC Hosts First-Ever Research Showcase

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After months of preparation and planning on the part of MTC students, staff, and faculty, in December 2023 the College hosted its first-ever Research Showcase, which brought the college community together for four days of activities that celebrated research on and around MTC’s campus.

This series of events was a celebration of research itself, of MTC’s new research capabilities, and most of all, of MTC’s student researchers, whose projects in 2023 spanned such topics as code-switching in prison, the production of spider web protein via DNA-altered goats, and data on incarcerated runners, to name only a few student poster session presentations. The Showcase also featured a keynote address by Professor Darrick Smith, of the University of San Francisco; a faculty panel including topics ranging from tardigrades to Okinawan identity to Nietzsche; and a day of research skills workshops.

The Showcase was a culminating moment in MTC’s broader mission to elevate the voices of the incarcerated, starting with the core courses that lead to the AA degree: writing courses develop critical thinking skills, the capacity to formulate original standpoints, and the ability to express oneself to a range of audiences; mathematics courses equip students with the skills to understand complex systems, problem-solving, and data analysis; courses in science, the social sciences, and the humanities open up entire bodies of knowledge, foster curiosity, develop analytical skills, and expand world views and understanding. Throughout the degree, MTC students learn to develop questions, substantiate claims, and rigorously analyze course content, to refine and strengthen their assertions.

For many years, one of the key missing pieces in supporting students’ development of rigorous independent thought, critical thinking, and persuasive expression was in the area of research: until 2021, MTC was unable to provide students access to computers, and physical library materials were similarly scarce. Students chiefly relied on volunteer research faculty to research on students’ behalf. In 2021 MTC was finally able to establish a computer lab at San Quentin; since that time, we have been continually adding resources that enable students to carry out their research. 

Independent research is a hallmark of creativity and free thought: the researcher can shape their inquiry, delve into their areas of interest and insight, and actively contribute to contemporary debates. When entire segments of society are not able to freely access and contribute to the production of knowledge, not only do would-be researchers suffer, but so too does the shape of knowledge itself. On so many levels, American society has a profound amount to learn from those it incarcerates; it is to the benefit of both those individuals and the society at large that incarcerated people have access to the finest opportunities to develop their critical thinking, research, and communication skills. MTC is honored and proud to facilitate these advances. 

Thank you to everyone who made the Research Showcase a success! 

Mount Tamalpais College hosts its first International Film Festival

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This past December, Mount Tamalpais College hosted our first International Film Festival inside San Quentin. The festival focused on screening movies made by, or featuring, people with disabilities and took place over five days. There were films from the United States, Malawi, Egypt, and India, to name a few, and over 100 students came to the film festival. 

The festival began on Thursday with a screening of Crip Camp, which tells the story of a groundbreaking summer camp for teens with disabilities. The camp proves to be so inspiring that a group of its alumni join the radical disability rights movement to advocate for historic legislation changes. This event was presented in partnership with California Humanities, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts. After the screening, there was a panel discussion with the producers of Crip Camp and team members from Cal Humanities.

The fourth day of the festival featured a marathon of short films from Honduras, the United Kingdom, Australia, Colombia, Myanmar, Japan, and Latvia! The films were presented in partnership with Superfest which is the longest-running disability film festival in the world. Since it first debuted in a small Los Angeles showcase in 1970 it has become an eagerly anticipated international event—hosted by Paul K. Longmore Institute on Disability at San Francisco State. It was a huge honor to be able to have the Director of the Superfest Disability Film Festival, Emily Smith Beitiks, join us afterward for a discussion. 

Our International Film Festival concluded with a screening of Friendly Signs, a short documentary written, directed, and produced by MTC alumnus Rahsaan “New York” Thomas, while he was at San Quentin. The film follows MTC student Tommy Wickerd as he decides to try to make San Quentin a friendly space by teaching sign language to anyone who wants to learn (including the correction officers) and documents the struggles he faces while trying to get a class started in a prison. We are so proud of Tommy and Rahsaan’s work!

Thank you to Rosen Bien Galvan & Grunfeld LLP for sponsoring MTC’s first International Film Festival and making it a resounding success. Your support has played a crucial role in bringing diverse and compelling cinematic experiences to the San Quentin community and we are so grateful for your partnership!