Timothy presented at the Five Keys 2023 NorCal Graduation Ceremony

On a sunny April afternoon in Menlo Park, CA, Timothy Long was seated at his desk when a student unexpectedly stopped by.

“Hey dude, I’m glad you came by—I’ve been trying to get a hold of you all day,” Timothy said with a big smile. “We’re going to get you your high school diploma. There was a mix-up with some paperwork, but I got it taken care of. YOU ARE GRADUATING—and you’ll be at the ceremony. Congratulations!”

“Thank you. Thank you so much,” the student said, his face lighting up.

Timothy, now 54, knows that feeling all too well. The words “You are graduating” carry a weight that he understands deeply. At just 19 years old, Timothy was sentenced to four consecutive life terms in California for crimes he committed as a teenager. He would spend 26 years incarcerated. But even behind bars, he held onto one unshakable truth: education was his key to transformation.

“I knew I had to change,” he says. “Education became my path to mental freedom and personal success—even if I never saw freedom outside of prison.”

After earning his high school diploma while incarcerated, Timothy didn’t stop. He launched a GED program at San Quentin and began tutoring others. Over time, he earned three associate degrees—in general education, business, and science—and a Specialist I and II certification in Alcohol and Drug studies. He also helped co-found a college program inside Ironwood State Prison. His educational journey included Mt. Tamalpais College at San Quentin, Palo Verde College, and Coastline Community College.

Hard Work, Dedication, and the Drive to Change

Eventually, the parole board took notice.

“I was lucky,” Timothy reflects. “The parole board saw that I was not the same kid who committed those crimes over a quarter century ago. They also recognized that I chose the education route to change myself and those around me. As a result, I was granted parole and sent to a halfway house, and that’s where I learned about Five Keys.”

He started as a volunteer tutor. Nine years later, he’s now the Assistant Director of Community Sites for the South Bay, overseeing nearly 270 students across three sites. His work focuses on education, employment, social justice, housing, and building stronger communities.

“I want to help people who feel lost, whether they’re unhoused, battling addiction, or still in custody,” says Timothy. “I know from experience that life can get better. Education is the great changemaker.”

Timothy lives by this quote. It’s the foundation of his life’s work—using education to turn hopes and dreams into tangible progress.

A Life Rebuilt—and Shared

Since his release, Timothy has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and is currently pursuing his MBA in Organizational Leadership online through Southern New Hampshire University.

He also gives back by volunteering at San Quentin, where he plays forward on a volunteer basketball team, Team Bitterman, competing against incarcerated teams like the San Quentin Kings.

Reflecting on his past, Timothy recalls the turning point:

“I was 19 when I was initially incarcerated and told I would never get out,” he says. “But when my grandmother passed away about ten years into my sentence, and I couldn’t say goodbye—that changed me. That’s when I decided I wanted to become a better son, brother, and person.”

During his incarceration, Timothy befriended Glenn, a man nearly 70 years old who had spent over four decades in prison. Glenn needed to earn his GED to be considered for parole.

“Glenn and I worked together on math every day. I assisted him in understanding the language of math and the associated questions.” Timothy recalls. After a month or so, Glenn took the math test and passed. He got his GED, and soon after, he was granted parole.”

To this day, Timothy remains in touch with Glenn.

Writing the Next Chapter

Outside of work, Timothy enjoys long walks with his two dogs, Blu and Dino, and is currently writing a memoir.

When asked about his bucket list, he smiles. “I spent enough time ‘on vacation’ in a cell. Now I’m all about working, building a better community, and being a son my mom is proud of.”

His message to others is simple yet powerful:

“Whether you’re incarcerated or just stuck in a dark place in your life, this can be your new chapter. You can change. Things can get better.”

Speaking to students at a Mt. Tamalpais College alumni event, Timothy shared:

“Education helped me find my moral compass. Accountability and integrity is everything. How you think and act in custody will shape your decisions and actions when you are out of prison.”

Timothy Long’s story is proof that education doesn’t just open doors—it rebuilds lives.