Mount Tamalpais College Alumni Scholarship Program

About the MTC Alumni Scholarship Program

Many Mount Tamalpais College alumni face significant financial barriers when pursuing further education after leaving prison. To help address this, MTC partnered with 10,000 Degrees to establish the MTC Alumni Scholarship Program.

The program provides financial assistance to MTC alumni continuing their studies at trade schools, community colleges, four-year universities, or graduate programs. In 2025, 18 alumni received scholarships—learn more about the recipients and their educational journeys below.

Fall 2026 Scholarship Application [OPEN]

Applications for the Fall 2026 semester are now open. View the Application Guidelines to learn more and apply.

2025 ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
“I went to prison at age 16 with a sentence of 102 years to life, and I served 20 years. I knew my professional experience alone wouldn’t get me where I want to go in my career. Mount Tamalpais College helped me understand that with an education to ground that experience, there is no door I cannot walk through and no community I cannot help.”
“I went to prison at age 16 with a sentence of 102 years to life, and I served 20 years. I knew my professional experience alone wouldn’t get me where I want to go in my career. Mount Tamalpais College helped me understand that with an education to ground that experience, there is no door I cannot walk through and no community I cannot help.”

Anthony Ammons Jr.

“I'm the youngest of eight boys. I was incarcerated at the age of 18 and got released at the age of 42. I'm the first in my family to go to college, and my whole attitude towards life has changed because of education. I can now empathize with others and walk with integrity - I never want to limit myself in terms of what I can learn or do.”
“I'm the youngest of eight boys. I was incarcerated at the age of 18 and got released at the age of 42. I'm the first in my family to go to college, and my whole attitude towards life has changed because of education. I can now empathize with others and walk with integrity - I never want to limit myself in terms of what I can learn or do.”

Rafael Bankston

Seal

Jesse Blue

"My spring term at Francisco State University was both a rewarding and humbling experience. My admission and enrollment is a tribute to the spirit of diversity in education, which breathes life into our traditions of learning, experience and experimentation."
"My spring term at Francisco State University was both a rewarding and humbling experience. My admission and enrollment is a tribute to the spirit of diversity in education, which breathes life into our traditions of learning, experience and experimentation."

Louis Calvin

"Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the immense pressure I place on myself to maintain an exceptional grade point average. Over time, I’ve begun to understand the larger picture of life and how academic performance, while important, is not the sole measure of my worth or capabilities. I’m learning to extend grace to myself, recognizing that setbacks are not a reflection of my intellect, skills, or potential."
"Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the immense pressure I place on myself to maintain an exceptional grade point average. Over time, I’ve begun to understand the larger picture of life and how academic performance, while important, is not the sole measure of my worth or capabilities. I’m learning to extend grace to myself, recognizing that setbacks are not a reflection of my intellect, skills, or potential."

James JC Cavitt

“As a formerly incarcerated man, I have the desire to give back. Social Work offers me the platform to follow through on that. As a lifer in the California Department of Corrections, only my audacity to persevere helped me to reach my goal of becoming a student at San Francisco State University.”
“As a formerly incarcerated man, I have the desire to give back. Social Work offers me the platform to follow through on that. As a lifer in the California Department of Corrections, only my audacity to persevere helped me to reach my goal of becoming a student at San Francisco State University.”

Bobby Evans

“Being a first-generation college student, I wanted to be a positive role model for my children, grandchildren and others from my community. I'm showing them that it is never too late to turn one’s life around and become that positive role model for one's family or community."
“Being a first-generation college student, I wanted to be a positive role model for my children, grandchildren and others from my community. I'm showing them that it is never too late to turn one’s life around and become that positive role model for one's family or community."

Brian Asey Gonsoulin

"My college experience this past semester was great. I learned a lot as it relates to Social Work, particularly regarding family and children - understanding their needs, how to go about addressing their needs, and the tools that I'll have as a Social Worker. I'm really enjoying the process and learning a lot about my field."
"My college experience this past semester was great. I learned a lot as it relates to Social Work, particularly regarding family and children - understanding their needs, how to go about addressing their needs, and the tools that I'll have as a Social Worker. I'm really enjoying the process and learning a lot about my field."

Forrest Jones

“My college journey has been so intertwined with my growth as a man - how I think, learn, and move through the world. College has been a path to liberation for me, and I truly believe that it’s what has kept me out of prison and away from the circles that once led me down the wrong path. My pursuit of education is maintaining and holding onto my freedom.”
“My college journey has been so intertwined with my growth as a man - how I think, learn, and move through the world. College has been a path to liberation for me, and I truly believe that it’s what has kept me out of prison and away from the circles that once led me down the wrong path. My pursuit of education is maintaining and holding onto my freedom.”

De'jon Joy

"My college experience has been a struggle. However, the courses I have taken and the instructors I have met, for the most part, have been amazing. And I can take solace in the knowledge I’ve gained and experiences I've had with these amazing people - they keep my inspiration strong to graduate and pursue becoming an author."
"My college experience has been a struggle. However, the courses I have taken and the instructors I have met, for the most part, have been amazing. And I can take solace in the knowledge I’ve gained and experiences I've had with these amazing people - they keep my inspiration strong to graduate and pursue becoming an author."

Joseph Krauter

“Enrolling at MTC was invigorating. Being in those classes, soaking up knowledge, and sitting in an atmosphere that mimicked the outside world inspired me and amplified my desire to be back in society participating in college.”
“Enrolling at MTC was invigorating. Being in those classes, soaking up knowledge, and sitting in an atmosphere that mimicked the outside world inspired me and amplified my desire to be back in society participating in college.”

Eric "Phil" Phillips

"The sense of community [in college] has been a significant highlight, fostering an environment of support and collaboration. Recently, I was honored to be awarded the John Garner Fellowship, which will open doors for me to work in either a for-profit or non-profit organization specializing in public service post-graduation."
"The sense of community [in college] has been a significant highlight, fostering an environment of support and collaboration. Recently, I was honored to be awarded the John Garner Fellowship, which will open doors for me to work in either a for-profit or non-profit organization specializing in public service post-graduation."

John Lam

"My college experience was both challenging and rewarding. My resilience has been put to the test as I balance coursework, group projects, and my internship. Despite the challenges, these experiences have reinforced my passion for Social Work and my commitment to supporting vulnerable populations. This journey has prepared me both personally and professionally for a fulfilling career."
"My college experience was both challenging and rewarding. My resilience has been put to the test as I balance coursework, group projects, and my internship. Despite the challenges, these experiences have reinforced my passion for Social Work and my commitment to supporting vulnerable populations. This journey has prepared me both personally and professionally for a fulfilling career."

David Le

"I’m currently enrolled in the MBA program at Southern New Hampshire University. So far, my experience has been very positive. The courses have provided valuable insights and practical knowledge that I’m eager to apply. While balancing coursework with other responsibilities has been a challenge, I’m enjoying the learning process and the opportunities for personal and professional growth."
"I’m currently enrolled in the MBA program at Southern New Hampshire University. So far, my experience has been very positive. The courses have provided valuable insights and practical knowledge that I’m eager to apply. While balancing coursework with other responsibilities has been a challenge, I’m enjoying the learning process and the opportunities for personal and professional growth."

Timothy Long

Chris Marshall
“I’m motivated to go to college [Business Administration at Long Beach City College] and pursue certificate programs so that I can have a better life. I also work full-time at two jobs. My goal is to become an OSHA inspector or instructor.”

Chris Marshall

“After paroling in 2018, I began working in industrial maintenance - but I needed more, to do something that improved lives. I chose to study economics because I believe it is a subject everyone can benefit from, with concepts that allow us to make better informed decisions in business and life. I am determined to become a junior college economics professor to teach these concepts.”
“After paroling in 2018, I began working in industrial maintenance - but I needed more, to do something that improved lives. I chose to study economics because I believe it is a subject everyone can benefit from, with concepts that allow us to make better informed decisions in business and life. I am determined to become a junior college economics professor to teach these concepts.”

Daniel Plunkett

“I never would have imagined someone with a learning disability, a former gang member, and a formerly incarcerated person [like myself] would graduate from one of the top public universities in the country. [As I begin my Grad program], I look back at my academic journey and am grateful for the opportunities to grow, learn, and build a lasting community.”
“I never would have imagined someone with a learning disability, a former gang member, and a formerly incarcerated person [like myself] would graduate from one of the top public universities in the country. [As I begin my Grad program], I look back at my academic journey and am grateful for the opportunities to grow, learn, and build a lasting community.”

Danny Thongsy

MEET OUR ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES

Alumni Spotlight: Sam Vaughn

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MTC Alumni Scholarship Awardee: Brian Asey Gonsoulin

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MTC Alumni Scholarship Awardee: Anthony Ammons Jr.

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