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Education Beyond Bars

Dr. Jody Lewen's Prison Education Mission

Dr. Jody Lewen discusses Mount Tamalpais College, providing higher education to incarcerated people at San Quentin. Learn how prison education reduces recidivism and transforms lives and communities.

Join us for an inspiring evening with Dr. Jody Lewen, founder and president of Mount Tamalpais College at San Quentin State Prison. This event is co-sponsored by the Tiburon-Belvedere Rotary.

Dr. Lewen will share her groundbreaking work in prison education and its profound impact on incarcerated individuals and society at large.

Mount Tamalpais College, under Dr. Lewen's leadership, has become a beacon of hope and transformation. As the first accredited independent liberal arts college dedicated to serving incarcerated students, it offers a rigorous Associate of Arts degree program and College Preparatory Program, free of charge, to approximately 300 people at San Quentin.

In this talk, Dr. Lewen will discuss:

• The journey of building Mount Tamalpais College from a volunteer-run program to an accredited institution
• The challenges and triumphs of providing high-quality education in a prison setting
• The significant impact of education on reducing recidivism rates
• The broader implications of prison education for social justice, public safety, and community well-being

Dr. Lewen's work has garnered national recognition, including the National Humanities Medal from President Barack Obama in 2016. Her insights into the transformative power of education for incarcerated individuals are both compelling and crucial for understanding the role of education in criminal justice reform.

This event is a unique opportunity to learn about an innovative approach to addressing one of society's most pressing issues. Dr. Lewen's story is not just about education; it's about human potential, second chances, and the power of learning to change lives and communities.

Don't miss this chance to be inspired and informed about the vital intersection of education, social justice, and human dignity.

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