Continuing California’s broader efforts to strengthen public safety, further advance drops in crime, and support successful reentry, Governor Gavin Newsom welcomes the inaugural cohort of 34 students pursuing bachelor’s degrees through California State University, Los Angeles at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center.
The 21-month program helps students earn a Liberal Studies degree, bringing university instruction into San Quentin Rehabilitation Center’s new Learning Center. The program is part of a broader statewide commitment to making education accessible – with higher education opportunities available at every facility.
“By expanding access to college inside our correctional facilities, we’re strengthening rehabilitation, supporting successful reentry and helping make our communities safer,” said Newsom. “The majority of people who enter prison eventually go back once they’ve served their time, so it is deeply important that those individuals leave being better prepared to positively contribute to their community.”
Through the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, community college courses are offered through in-person instruction, distance learning or correspondence, and bachelor’s degree programs operate at 12 institutions through partnerships with the California State University and University of California systems.
“The continued growth of higher education programs across our institutions reflects CDCR’s deep commitment to transforming prison culture and prioritizing rehabilitation,” said CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber. “Higher education is consistently proven to be one of the strongest predictors of successful re-entry, significantly reducing recidivism and changing lives. Expanding collegiate opportunities throughout California gives incarcerated individuals the tools, confidence and purpose needed to rebuild their lives, which makes our institutions safer today and our communities stronger for generations to come.”
Investing in learning at San Quentin…