DeCal

About the Course:

The Teach in Prison Decal aims to provide students with a unique service learning experience as they tutor prisoners in San Quentin state prison.

There are few areas of professional or personal interest that this program doesn't enrich: law, psychology, politics, and curiosity to name a few.  And while you're learning about the California corrections system, you'll be helping eager students work toward their high school diploma.  Once a week on the day of your choice (M-Th, returning to campus by noon), you'll join a group of students for the brief commute to San Quentin.  Once there you'll tutor inmates in a class led by a teacher in the prison’s education department.  We also meet on campus one afternoon per week to discuss the prison system (Tuesday, 4-6).  These meetings often feature guest lecturers, including: prison psychologists, guards, Boalt criminal law experts, writers, documentarians, and former inmates.

How to Enroll:

The only requirements — per San Quentin regulations — is that tutors be at least 21 years of age.  Students will also be required to pass a background check.  Traffic violations and juvenile violations aren't scrutinized, but any felony charge in the past 10 years will prevent your approval.  A vehicle is not required, but is extremely helpful.

There is a high level of interest in this rare opportunity to see, from the inside, how a prison actually operates.  It's a safe, exciting, and fulfilling experience.  Given the high demand of the course, you may find it beneficial to drop a brief e-mail letting us know you're interested.  CCN's will be distributed on the first day.

The first class is on Tuesday, January 27th, located in 240 Mulford.  Please see the attahed file for a map of Mulford Hall.