Berkeley @ San Quentin Project

Project Overview

This initiative will serve as an example of transformative justice in higher education, in keeping with the Berkeley School of Education’s commitment to equity in public education.

Project Details

Project Charter (Expand)

Problem Statement

UC Berkeley faculty, students, and staff have a long history of supporting educational efforts at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQRC) through tutoring, class offerings, fund and evaluation research. However, incarcerated individuals at San Quentin have never had the opportunity to earn a four-year degree from UC Berkeley or from other institutions.

Objectives

  • Establish a Bachelor of Science degree program in Educational Sciences at SQRC, open to eligible incarcerated men throughout California’s prison system

  • Select and support 25 qualified San Quentin incarcerated students each year in offering the opportunity to earn a Berkeley BS degree in Educational Science (additional degrees added in future years)

  • Provide a funded pathway to an MA degree in Education

  • Provide vocational and avocational pathways, including internships

  • Offer a provision of transitional housing for students

Success Metrics

  • 25 qualified candidates register for and begin the program in the first year

Project Leaders

Sponsor: Michelle Young

Project Lead: Renee Starowicz

Project Manager: Russ Ballati

Project Team Members: 

  • Program Lead: Glynda Hall
  • Underground Scholars SME: Azadeh Zohrabi
  • Functional Lead: Renee Starowicz
  • BSE/UDAR SME: Lupe Nickell
  • BSE SME: Meg Everett
  • Change Manager: Chris DeMarco

Status Report

Learn more about how we define Project Health and Project Phase.