PUP coordinator Heather Heart taking a walk outside SQ San Quentin’s Prison University Project (PUP) waved goodbye to Program Coordinator Heather Hart on July 3. But she leaves intent on continuing her fierce advocacy goals in a potentially broader scope— through philanthropic influence. “After four years here, I started to feel like there was more I needed to learn, more skills I needed to ac- quire in order to get to a place where I could make the most impact,” Hart told SQNews. “Exploring this world of philanthropy, I want to see for … [Read more...] about Program coordinator Heather Hart bids farewell to PUP
Education
San Quentin’s college class of 2019
PUP graduates class of 2019 On a sunny June morning over- looking the bay, 12 incarcerated scholars were honored at the 2019 Prison University Project (PUP) graduation. University instructors, staff, classmates and family of the graduates gathered in San Quentin’s main visiting room to celebrate the conferring of Associate of Arts degrees in liberal arts to the men in blue. Graduate Sumit Lal and family As “Pomp and Circumstance” sounded, the 2019 graduates began their procession, and PUP Board Chair Maddy Russell-Shapiro’s eyes were … [Read more...] about San Quentin’s college class of 2019
Scholarship recipient overcame a dark and troubled past
“I only knew what others had told me: that I was worthless, stupid, and a failure” Prison taught Daniel Hen- son the value of education, and now he has earned a college scholarship. “I did not finish kindergarten because of my parents’ bitter separation,” said Henson. “As a result, from then until I was 14 years old, I bounced from school to school.” After failing out of 8th grade in 1996, Henson said that he “quickly spiraled out of control, associating with other delinquents and engaging in substance abuse. I did not go to school … [Read more...] about Scholarship recipient overcame a dark and troubled past
La jardinería ayuda a rehabilitación de reo
Leopoldo Zaragoza A Leopoldo Zaragoza es fácil encontrarlo en el área educacional de la Prisión Estatal de San Quentin. Después de su clase para obtener su diploma de preparatoria (GED) se le puede ver trabajando en los jardines que adornan los anexos educativos. Zaragoza es un prisionero de 50 años, oriundo de Cha- pala, Jalisco que ha tomado las “riendas” (como dice él), del trabajo necesario para hermosear los jardines llenos de margaritas, crisantemos, geranios y rosales. “El jardinero de azul”, como algunos le conocen, se pasa … [Read more...] about La jardinería ayuda a rehabilitación de reo
Participar en programas educativos cambio su Persepción de la Cárcel
Profesores de PUP Laura Wagner and Paco Brito Prison University Project (PUP) está localizada en una de las prisiones más notorias en el mundo: La Prisión de San Quentin en California. PUP incluye un selecto grupo de profesores, tutores, y voluntarios de varias universidades prestigiosas como U.C. Berkeley, Stanford, San Francisco State, San Jose State, y varias otras universidades locales y de alrededor del mundo. Estos participantes son una parte esencial en la educación y rehabilitación de los hombres encarcelados en San Quentin. … [Read more...] about Participar en programas educativos cambio su Persepción de la Cárcel
Princeton students support ex-cons getting higher education
“Formerly incarcerated applicants are among the most vulnerable, and we should treat them with respect, if not admiration” Princeton University has taken a stance against a student movement called “Ban the Box.” The “box” refers to a section of the college admissions application that inquires about a prospective student’s criminal history. Applicants with criminal histories are very likely to be rejected from academic institutions. Students argue that by allowing criminal histories to weigh into admissions decisions, the Princeton … [Read more...] about Princeton students support ex-cons getting higher education
Prison and Jail Tour offers unique insight into incarcerated conditions
LMU logo A group of college students got a first-hand, up-close look at the California prison system on a recent tour arranged by a former inmate. About 20 students from Loyola Marymount University went on the Prison & Jail Tour created by a formerly incarcerated man, Francisco “Franky” Carrillo Jr. Carrillo was innocent, and he proved it several years ago with the help of the LMU Law Clinic. After obtaining his freedom, Carrillo worked to educate others about the prison industrial complex and mass incarceration. The 2019 … [Read more...] about Prison and Jail Tour offers unique insight into incarcerated conditions
Scott J. Lawrie’s poetry was inspired by an ex-con poet
Scott Lawrie When the young Scottish lad Scott J. Lawrie was introduced to the country’s most famous poet, Robert Burns, it was the beginning of his fondness for poetry. His introduction to American poetry came through the Beat movement. However, his connection to San Quentin came through an obscure poet who did time here—the late Ed “Foots” Lipman. After Lawrie researched Lipman’s works, he published Only By Flashlight and sent a copy to Zoe Mullery, who holds a weekly creative writ- ing class at San Quentin. Only By Flashlight was … [Read more...] about Scott J. Lawrie’s poetry was inspired by an ex-con poet
Artist and mentor Pat Mahoney retires
Pat Mahoney in Arts and Corrections Pat Mahoney spent the last 40 years coming inside San Quentin to mentor incarcerated artists on the finer points of art; however, he’s best known as a keen listener and caring person. Mahoney is one of the founders of the San Quentin Arts in Corrections program, sponsored by the William James Association. He retired from the Arts in Corrections program last February. Mahoney helped create the Upper Yard mural with the Helen Caldicott quote: “We are the Curators of life–We Hold it in the Palm of our … [Read more...] about Artist and mentor Pat Mahoney retires
Google attends San Quentin mixer
Harry Hemphill speaking about graduating from the coding program The morning of April 11 started with fun and games with participants from Google.org and incarcerated coding students as a way to socialize. The first game, the circle name game, an icebreaker consisted of everyone yelling out his or her name and that of the person next to them as fast as possible, which was easy to see that the day was going to be relaxed and fun. Subsequently, the room was broken into groups to play Charades, Game Night and then Family Feud, San … [Read more...] about Google attends San Quentin mixer