Founder of nation’s first prison college earns award

November 18, 2024

Jody Lewen, founder of the nation’s first college exclusively for incarcerated people in prison, has been awarded the 2024 McGraw Prize for Higher Education. Lewen serves as the president of Mount Tamalpais College (MTC) at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center.

The national award “recognizes innovators who unleash human potential through technology, methodology, and leadership.”

“I was really delighted,” Lewen said. “Any prize I am awarded, I recognize as being given to the entire institution. It felt like a moment of real recognition of everyone’s hard work and what we have accomplished.”

The McGraw Prize awards educators every year within three categories, Lifelong Learning, Pre-K-12 Education, and Higher Education.

Harold McGraw III, former chairman and CEO of The McGraw-Hill Companies, in a press release said the winners are educational trailblazers.

“This year’s winners forged pathbreaking roles to provide educational access and career opportunities to all members of society,” he said. “Their remarkable achievements, tireless advocacy, and continued mentorship inspire us all.”

A quarter century promoting education

Prison college founder with two incarcerated people at San Quentin. — Judy Lewen, center, founder of the nation’s first prison college, received a prestigious education award.

Lewen has come a long way when it comes to education, specifically within CDCR. Lewen was a grad student in 1999 when she began volunteering in the San Quentin College Program.

“I’ve always believed every prison should be like its own college campus. In a normal world, prisons would also be schools,” she said.

With this mindset, Lewen started her journey toward founding Mount Tamalpais College.

In 2003, Lewen founded the Prison University Project (PUP) to provide the San Quentin college program with material and financial support. At the time, the program was an extension site of Patten College.

“(The college) is designed to meet students where they are.”
Jody Lewen

Over several decades, PUP evolved, expanding into one of the largest prison higher education programs in the country. In 2018, after extensive deliberation and planning, PUP began the process of becoming an independent college. In 2022, Mount Tamalpais College (MTC) achieved initial accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

As of November 2024, MTC has 23 full-time permanent staff. The college also has nearly 100 volunteer instructors, teaching assistants, and tutors, most of whom are professors or graduate students from nearby Bay Area colleges. Approximately 300 students are currently enrolled.

“What I often say to prospective students at San Quentin who might be intimidated by the idea of college is, ‘just come check it out, (attend) orientation, (and) come to the first day of class.’ You are not obligated,” she said. “But, just come see what it’s like and take it one day at a time.”

Requirements to attend college

A college classroom at San Quentin with incarcerated students sitting in desks. — The college at San Quentin is designed to meet students where they are.

The college requires incarcerated students to have a high school diploma or GED. There are no fees or tuition, and all school supplies and materials are provided to students free of charge.

“(The college) is designed to meet students where they are,” Lewen said. “We conduct assessments in math and writing with all new students. (This helps) ensure they’re placed into the classes (to) best meet their needs.”

In June 2022, MTC held its first commencement ceremony as an independent college, with 19 students receiving their diplomas.

“It was wild,” said Lewen. “I thought it would happen one day, but I didn’t think I would see it in my lifetime.”

Lewen is grateful for the McGraw Prize recognition. She said it will help people on the outside better understand education and the impacts it has for incarcerated people.

When asked what her hopes are for the college over the next 10 years, one thing she hopes for is to find more ways to tell the stories of incarcerated students.

“I am interested in what we can do as a college to capture and disseminate the stories and voices of incarcerated people in a way that allows our students to educate the public,” she said. “(This effort) also allows the public to view them as human beings.”

Thanks San Quentin staff, leadership for support

Lewen made a point of recognizing San Quentin staff and administration for their support while establishing Mount Tamalpais College. Lewen received her award and an iconic awards sculpture at a Nov. 13 ceremony.

“The thing I feel most grateful for about my job is all the ways it has brought me into contact with people I probably never would have met,” she said. “It has rocked my world and educated the hell out of me.”

Read about the Mount Tamalpais College on their website.

Learn more about the Mcgraw Prize on their website.

Story by Ashton Harris, information officer
Office of Public and Employee Communications

See more awards and appreciation stories.

Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.