On September 12, Mule Creek State Prison celebrated the achievements of 45 incarcerated individuals who received job certifications and apprenticeships from the California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA). The event was organized in collaboration with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), California Correctional Health Care Services, and the California Department of Industrial Relations, recognizing the hard work of the graduates.
CALPIA’s General Manager, Bill Davidson, emphasized the significance of the skills learned during their time at Mule Creek. “These jobs that you do on a day-to-day basis are important,” he remarked, encouraging graduates to view this as the start of their careers rather than just temporary work.
The ceremony, attended by family, friends, and staff, highlighted the graduates’ accomplishments, with certifications awarded in various fields, including Data Entry, Clothing and Fabric, Food and Beverage Packaging, Commercial Laundry, and Healthcare Facilities Maintenance. Some of the graduates were also awarded apprenticeships.
Jesus Tovar, who received a certification in Healthcare Facilities Maintenance, expressed how the training prepared him for his future. “This is my first time having responsibility and it is a milestone in my life. I am getting out soon and now I can take this to the streets and provide for my kids,” he said.
Dr. Diana Toche, the CDCR’s Undersecretary of Health Care Services, praised the program’s effectiveness, noting the high standards of cleaning processes learned. She urged graduates to aspire toward positive futures, stating, “Congratulations for seizing the opportunities before you.”
Chief Deputy Warden Bryan Holmes acknowledged the collaboration with CALPIA and the importance of vocational training in preparing individuals for reintegration into society.
Tony Curtis, a former CALPIA graduate who delivered the keynote address, shared his transformative experience. While incarcerated, he obtained three certifications, including one in Opticianry. Curtis, now a co-owner of a construction company and a pastor, encouraged graduates to seize every opportunity, stating, “The skills and opportunities that were provided by CALPIA are the doors that I went through that lead to the success I have today.”
Davidson highlighted the impact of having former graduates like Curtis return to inspire current inmates. “Change is possible, and we want them to succeed,” he said.