On September 12, forty-five incarcerated individuals at Mule Creek State Prison were awarded job certifications and apprenticeships by the California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA). This event was held in collaboration with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), California Correctional Health Care Services, and the California Department of Industrial Relations.
CALPIA’s General Manager, Bill Davidson, emphasized the significance of the work the graduates performed during their incarceration, encouraging them to view their achievements as the starting point for their career paths. “These jobs that you do on a day-to-day basis are important,” he stated.
The ceremony saw the participation of family, friends, and prison staff as the graduates received accredited certifications in various fields, including Data Entry, Clothing and Fabric, Food and Beverage Packaging, Commercial Laundry, and Healthcare Facilities Maintenance. A number of graduates also obtained apprenticeships.
One of the graduates, Jesus Tovar, who received a certification in Healthcare Facilities Maintenance, expressed pride in his accomplishment. He noted that the training provided by CALPIA equipped him for future responsibilities, allowing him to support his family after his release. “I am completing this because I had proper training through CALPIA. I am getting out soon and now I can take this to the streets and provide for my kids,” he said.
During the ceremony, CDCR’s Undersecretary of Health Care Services, Dr. Diana Toche, highlighted the high caliber of training the graduates received. She reinforced the importance of vocational programs in enabling graduates to support themselves and their families upon reintegration into society.
Chief Deputy Warden Bryan Holmes also praised the graduates, reaffirming Mule Creek State Prison’s commitment to fostering rehabilitation and equipping individuals with valuable skills for their future.
Former CALPIA graduate Tony Curtis shared his inspiring journey of transformation during a keynote address. Curtis highlighted the opportunities provided by CALPIA, which allowed him to earn multiple certifications while incarcerated. Following his release, he transitioned to community employment and eventually co-founded a construction company while also serving as a pastor.
Curtis urged the graduates to seize every opportunity for success, emphasizing the importance of hard work and persistence. Davidson acknowledged the positive impact of having successful former graduates like Curtis returning to share their stories, adding that their experiences serve to inspire hope and demonstrate that change is possible.