February 22, 2026 – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: CDCR and Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Friday the completion of the innovative educational complex – the San Quentin Learning Center. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to showcase the 80,000-square-foot project nestled above the lower yard at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQRC). Gov. Newsom, who championed the effort, thanked CDCR leadership, SQRC Warden Chance Andes, the San Quentin Advisory Committee, and others who helped the project complete on time, and on budget. The complex nearly triples classroom space, provides new rehabilitative areas, and includes a one-stop reentry program. Full operations will begin in spring 2026.
“Three years ago, I stood here and promised to turn this symbol of the old system into the crown jewel of a new one. Today, with the opening of this Learning Center, we are proving that rehabilitation and public safety go hand in hand — and that hope is a powerful tool for safer communities.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom
BIGGER PICTURE: The Learning Center is San Quentin’s centerpiece project as the institution moves to transform into a rehabilitation center. The Learning Center is designed to improve the lives of and working conditions for employees and incarcerated people, supporting the creation of a more effective justice system that builds safer communities. The project, sustainable and aiming for LEED Silver certification, was guided by involvement from staff, security, operations, and residents, working together to develop a solution that meets the unique needs of each group…