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 held in partnership with CDCR, California Correctional Health Care Services, and the California Department of Industrial Relations.
Bill Davidson, CALPIA’s General Manager, addressed the graduates, highlighting the significance of their daily work and encouraging them to view their experiences at Mule Creek as the foundation of their careers.
Family, friends, and staff gathered to honor the graduates, who earned industry-recognized certifications in various fields including Data Entry, Clothing and Fabric, Food and Beverage Packaging, Commercial Laundry, and Healthcare Facilities Maintenance. In addition, some participants received apprenticeships.
One of the graduates, Jesus Tovar, expressed his sense of accomplishment after earning a certification in Healthcare Facilities Maintenance, where he learned hospital-level cleaning skills. Tovar commented on how his training through CALPIA has prepared him to support his family upon release.
Dr. Diana Toche, CDCR’s Undersecretary of Health Care Services, praised the quality of the cleaning training and encouraged graduates to envision a bright future. She emphasized the importance of programming in helping individuals provide for themselves and their families after incarceration.
Chief Deputy Warden Bryan Holmes reaffirmed the prison’s commitment to supporting rehabilitation and equipping inmates with valuable skills to ease their reentry into society.
Tony Curtis, a former CALPIA graduate, delivered the keynote address, sharing his personal success story. While incarcerated, he earned three certifications, including one in Opticianry. Since his release, Curtis has worked as an environmental services technician in a San Diego hospital and is now a co-owner of a construction company, along with serving as a senior pastor.
Curtis urged the graduates to seize every opportunity available to them, stating that the skills gained through CALPIA can lead to successful futures.
Davidson underscored the impact of having graduates like Curtis return to inspire current participants, reinforcing the belief that change is attainable and that the graduates have the potential for success.