Then & Now Series: Part II
Next year marks the 30th anniversary of the college program at San Quentin. As 2025 comes to a close, we are looking back at Mount Tamalpais College’s history through this Then & Now series.
A 21st Century Classroom
In the final edition of our Then & Now series, four Mount Tamalpais College students reflect on what higher education looks like at San Quentin today—and how MTC's 30-year commitment to providing quality academic resources, programs, and technology has transformed the learning experience.
Enhanced Academic Offerings
“Learning through hands-on biology labs, for me, was like experiencing Christmas bi-weekly. We learned about the importance of designing a controlled experiment and extracting DNA. Discovering advancements in epigenetics has been the highlight of my scholastic journey. I am forever grateful to my instructors for the most enjoyable school experience of my life.”
— ROBERT MOODY, MTC STUDENT
Growth through Technology
“Gaining access to the computer lab* was an eye opener—I never thought such a thing was possible inside of a prison. I got involved as a Peer Computer Lab Assistant, designing and facilitating computer literacy workshops for my peers on topics such as Microsoft Office. MTC plays a great role in our personal growth and our ability to dream of a better future.”
— ED THOLL, MTC STUDENT
*In 2021, MTC reached an historic agreement with San Quentin’s administration to open a computer lab inside the prison. Before this, MTC students had virtually no access to modern technology.
Building Knowledge Together
“Technology like laptops, tablets, and digital devices makes lessons interactive and current, creating a dynamic learning environment that connects us to the world. Instructors and students learn together, forming a powerful educational community where we actively reflect, solve problems, and assemble knowledge as a team.”
— KEITH CARTER, MTC STUDENT
A Campus Within the Prison
“Today, the walls are no longer bare, but covered with pennants of colleges and universities that reflect the faculty volunteers within the MTC community. The walls have pictures of students who have returned to their communities with positive quotes to encourage those left behind. The atmosphere feels more like a campus within a prison, than a prison.”
— HENOK RUFAEL, MTC STUDENT
For nearly 30 years, MTC students have helped transform the culture of San Quentin from within—proving that education is not only a path to purpose, but a force for reshaping institutions.
Please consider a gift to support new generations of students as they bring meaningful change to San Quentin and to their communities.
