Valley State Prison (VSP) celebrated the state’s first seven incarcerated students to receive technological program certification.
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification program is an effort to help connect incarcerated graduates with potential employers. Through strategic partnerships and collaboration with employers, CCNA helps bridge the gap between reentry and workforce opportunities.
The seven graduates at VSP mark the first time incarcerated individuals have completed the program in California.
VSP technological program aids reentry success
The CCNA certification pilot program at VSP is a technological pathway for incarcerated individuals seeking to rebuild their lives post-release.
Potential CCNA job roles include:
- entry-level network engineers
- network administrators
- and network support technicians.
The successful implementation of the CCNA certification program at VSP is setting a powerful precedent for California.
By empowering incarcerated individuals with marketable skills, Cisco is highlighting the potential for meaningful change within the correctional system.
Chief Deputy Warden M. Dotson spoke during the graduation ceremony, emphasizing the importance of continual self-improvement and character development. He encouraged everyone to always strive for personal growth and positive change.
Story submitted by Lt. H. Gastelum
Valley State Prison
