They wake up at 4:30 a.m. to do their homework. They write their essays by hand. They eagerly wait for the evening, when the door of hope and possibilities open for them. They are the San Quentin State Prison inmates who attend Patten University. To date, 60 students have earned AA degrees thanks to this independent university based in Oakland, CA, that, in collaboration with the Prison University Project. The program offers to incarcerated men not only the opportunity to pursue their education and to hope for a better life when released, but also a journey to redemption and dignity.

Click on the yellow bar and learn about the program through the voice of director Jody Lewen and SF State English professor Judith Breen, who volunteers her time teaching a Critical Thinking class. Then, meet five students who share their dreams.

For more information, to make a donation or to volunteer: www.prisonuniversityproject.org.