California Prison Industry Authority, Rehabilitation
A CALPIA graduates hugs his family after the ceremony at Centinela State Prison.
In front of cheering family, friends, and staff, 31 graduates at Centinela State Prison received their industry accredited job certifications.
The graduation ceremony was hosted by the California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) on May 16.
“This day is about you. It is to recognize and celebrate your accomplishment in what you have been able to achieve,” said CALPIA General Manager Bill Davidson. “I want to encourage you as you have gone through CALPIA’s job training programs. This is the beginning of your career, and this is a career you will take with you when you leave prison.”
CALPIA provides real-world job training to incarcerated individuals inside California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) prisons so they can succeed when returning to their communities.
Acting Warden Fidencio Guzman also shared words of inspiration.
“I am so thrilled to be standing here today to honor you and your accomplishments,” said Acting Warden Guzman. “CDCR and CALPIA want to see you succeed including many of your friends and family who are here today, so take advantage of this opportunity before you.”
CALPIA helps reentry efforts
CALPIA is a self-funded state entity that provides job skills to approximately 5,700 individuals inside CDCR prisons. Participants apply to be in the programs and CALPIA has countless success stories.
David Solorio was among the graduates. He has been incarcerated since 2012 and has served as a Lead Mechanic and now Lead Clerk over the Fabric enterprise.
“CALPIA’s belief in second chances and dedication to the incarcerated workers’ rehabilitation are truly commendable,” said Solorio. “This has been a stepping stone on my road to rehabilitation and ultimate success.”
Solorio also graduated with an AA degree in Psychology and plans to enroll in the San Diego State University Bachelor’s Degree Program on B-yard.
A Centinela CALPIA success story
Tony Curtis graduated from CALPIA’s Healthcare Facilities Maintenance and former General Facilities Maintenance and Repair programs at Centinela State Prison.
“You are sitting where I was sitting. I got an opportunity,” said Curtis. “Those certificates you receive are recognized on the streets. I put them on my resume (and) got the job. I had no experience, but I had CALPIA.”
Curtis returned to his community in 2020 and started working as an Environmental Services Technician at a San Diego Hospital along with working as a Journeyman for construction firm Henkels and McCoy.
Curtis is now the co-owner of a construction company, which was the first company to partner with Lowe’s and has expanded to Walmart for solar services in the Southern California area. In addition to his construction career, Curtis is a senior pastor at a local church.
“It starts right now. Success begins with opportunity,” added Curtis. “You guys are all sitting here because you made a choice to take advantage of an opportunity. You are going to get a certificate today, and I hope it changes you. I hope you realize the value of having something that is valuable not only today, but in the future.”
How effective is CALPIA?
A recent University of California, Irvine, recidivism study found that CALPIA participants have a 15% return to custody rate after three years, which means 85% of all CALPIA participants do not return to prison. The lower recidivism rate saves the California millions of dollars of incarceration costs each year.
Story, photos by Stephanie Eres
Submitted by Michele Kane, Assistant General Manager, External Affairs
California Prison Industry Authority
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