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.
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.
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.
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.
Mount Tamalpais College achieves accreditation by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) as an independent liberal arts college.
The Prison University Project completes its name change and officially becomes Mount Tamalpais College.
The Prison University Project is awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama.
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.
The Prison University Project receives a transformational $250,000 grant from the Sunshine Lady Foundation and is incorporated as an independent 501(c)(3).
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).
