College offers liberal arts degree for incarcerated
Traditionally and historically, incarcerated persons pursued training for vocations in the trades, and more recently in technology fields like coding, but graduates of Mount Tamalpais College, San Quentin’s onsite college program, earn an associate degree in liberal arts. How does a liberal arts … [Read More...]
Residents commit to pursuing higher education
Robert E. Burton Adult School held a commencement ceremony at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center on July 31, 2026. 78 residents were honored for their commitment and dedication to growth, rehabilitation, and transformation. Families, invited guests, and educators filled the chairs of the Learning … [Read More...]
San Quentin News hosts education forum to find solutions to end intergenerational incarceration
SQNews hosted a teachers’ symposium that took place in the Garden Chapel on July 22. Approximately 75 persons came together to talk about their journey through the educational system and the academic support they wish they had received. SQNews staffer Eric Allen opened up with his limited … [Read More...]
Mount Tamalpais College graduates seven San Quentin residents
In a full house of 300 guests and residents, San Quentin’s Mount Tamalpais College, known locally as MTC, celebrated its 2026 commencement at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center’s Chapel B on June 12. Graduates Evan Richard Aguilar, Keith R. Carter, Armenia Cudjo, Bobby Lewis Moody, Michael … [Read More...]
Astronomy class affords residents opportunity to see outer space
Students of Mount Tamalpais College, San Quentin’s onsite college program, gazed through a telescope at worlds far beyond the facility’s walls while participating in an innovative astronomy course this past spring semester. On a clear January evening, a volunteer instructor set up the … [Read More...]
Mt. Tamalpais College celebrates 30-year anniversary
Thirty years ago, what would become Mount Tamalpais College was born in San Quentin State Prison amidst violence, racial tension, animosity, suspicion, and meager resources. The first semester in 1996 consisted of two class offerings. This April, the college celebrated its 30-year … [Read More...]
Annual Literacy Symposium discusses strategies to end the school to prison pipeline
The Peer Literacy Mentor Program held its second annual literacy symposium in its continued efforts to tackle the ongoing problems surrounding reading and education. The symposium was held in the new, recently opened multipurpose room in San Quentin’s new education campus. In attendance were … [Read More...]
Treating dyslexia in prison
How one San Quentin teacher helps residents combat the learning disability There is a strong link between illiteracy, learning disabilities, and the justice system, which some call a prison pipeline for the learning disabled. Some studies reveal 47-48% of incarcerated people have dyslexia, … [Read More...]
Volunteer serves Mt. Tam College students in Computer Lab
By Stuart Clarke Eric Roos volunteers his free time to serve San Quentin residents enrolled in Mount Tamalpais College. He oversees the Mt. Tam Computer Lab in the new Learning Center. With serene humility and his trademark effervescent smile, he conscientiously seeks to ensure that MTC … [Read More...]
Library helps foster family connections through literacy
By Terrell J. Marshall, Staff Writer Usually, the small San Quentin Rehabilitation Center library is full of incarcerated people quietly reading, doing legal work, or researching a school project. The non-profit organization Friends of San Quentin Library disrupted the typically tranquil … [Read More...]
New education center principal stresses importance of education within rehabilitation
By Anthony Manuel Caravalho, Sports Editor As the San Quentin Model celebrates its grand opening of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $240 million learning center, recently appointed Supervisor of Correctional Education Programs, Principal J. Henderson spoke of his experiences and philosophies that will mold … [Read More...]
Education key for an individual’s success, self-worth, transformation
For incarcerated students obtaining a bachelor’s degree, life is changing. Phillip Hernandez envisioned that one day he would graduate from high school, but college seemed like a dream to him and his mother. “Coming back into prison I had a sense of being a failure. I had a deep sense of loss and … [Read More...]
Law libraries offer pertinent information
Some people think that law libraries exist exclusively for lawyers, but in truth, they exist to serve anyone. The Psychological Study of Social Issues notes that legal socialization is a right of every United States citizen. “As a U.S. citizen I feel it is my right and responsibility to know … [Read More...]
Mount Tamalpais College students receive Associate’s Degrees
Resilience and mental toughness describe a dozen residents journeying to a higher education To celebrate the accomplishments of higher education at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, a large crowd of visitors gathered with residents at San Quentin’s Chapel B. The Mount Tamalpais College 2025 … [Read More...]
Vice Principal Dr. Worthington talks to SQNews
SQNews: Besides being Vice Principal at Burton, what other positions have you held? J.W: Professor at online and on-ground higher Ed schools, (AA/AS, BA/BS, MA/MS courses), curriculum coordinator in District Office, elementary school principal, high school VP, teacher, investment banking, … [Read More...]
Residents say racism still an issue at local high school
Racial hatred appeared nationally at a New Hartford Central School District, without consequence. Months later, at a local Marin County, California high school, administration also failed to address racism. “Allowing racial outbursts and not punishing elite white students for racist activities … [Read More...]
Op-ed: Education and self-worth reduce recidivism
In achieving a higher education while incarcerated, social skills are obtained, enhancing self-worth that can reduce recidivism rates. A higher education in prison makes available cognitive and psychological skill sets, giving a person the capability to self-advocate, with hopes of coping with … [Read More...]
Estudiantes enseńando a maestros en CRSQ
Este año, Mount Tamalpais College patrocino el primer foro informativo para quince nuevos maestros voluntarios en el Centro de Rehabilitación de San Quentin. El proyecto, llamado “Estudiantes Instruyendo a los Instructores”, fue creado por los residentes y estudiantes Carl Raybon y Miguel … [Read More...]
Education at SQ offers various levels and opportunities for degrees
Education at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center allows residents to follow their dreams while reforming their lives. The facility offers five different college programs, which the population can attend to further their education. The prison has a self-accredited on-site College program, … [Read More...]
SQ’s MTC students give professors feedback
Mount Tamalpais College held their first “Students Teaching Teachers” event this May, providing both new and returning teachers an opportunity to learn from San Quentin residents. The forum encouraged MTC teachers to engage in open dialogue with students, and ask questions to better … [Read More...]