Program Website: http://www.prisonuniversityproject.org
Contacts: Jody Lewen, Executive Director, [email protected], 415-155-8088, ext 3
Program Description: Program offers courses in the humanities, social sciences, math, and science, leading to an Associates degree, as well as math, science, and foreign language courses required for transfer to UC and Cal State schools. All instructors work as volunteers. Prison University Project has five paid staff people. The degree is offered through Patten University, a small independent university in Oakland, CA.
Degrees Offered: Associate of Arts
Programs Offered: Associate of Arts Degree program [20 classes (60 semester units) required for completition.] In addition to the classes required for the Associate of Arts degree, the program also offers classes necessary to fulfill the requirements for transfer-eligibility to the University of California and California State school systems. College Preparatory Program in math and English available to prepare students for the college-level program.
Unique Features: Any mainline, level II, program-eligible person at San Quentin who holds a high school diploma or GED is welcome to enroll. Virtually all students start out in the College Prep program (in math and English) — usually for their first year; a small number place out of these courses by exam. Strong emphasis is placed on college readiness and academic rigor. Students pay no fees or tuition; PUP lends students the textbooks they need, and gives them the necessary school supplies. We do not screen for commitment offense, length of sentence/time left to serve, age, or any other similar criteria. All faculty work as volunteers. All primary instructors hold at least a master’s degree.
Headquarters: San Quentin, CA
Correctional Facilities Served: San Quentin State Prison
Population Served: Anyone who is classified as general population and holds either a GED or high school diploma is eligible to enroll in the College Program.
Number of Students: Approximately 400 per year
Graduates to Date: Over 100
Year Founded: 1996
Founders: Naomi Janowitz
College/University/Organization Partnerships: Patten University
Funding: Funded entirely by grants from individuals and mostly small and medium-sized foundations. No state or federal funding.