California Institution for Women’s El Prado Adult School recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a hip-hop-themed luncheon.
The Jan. 23 luncheon honored the student advisory council and physical education trainers for their contributions to the mission of El Prado Adult School at the women’s prison in Chino.
During the event, participants received awards and enjoyed music, photo opportunities, and games. The luncheon included pizza and refreshments, followed by a variety of gourmet cookies for dessert.
Everyone had a great time taking pictures in the photo booth while wearing microphones, boomboxes, and bucket hats.
Principal Gayla Brown was deejay for the day and played hip-hop music from the 1980s and ’90s, while students and trainees danced.
The institution’s coaches and education administration formally acknowledged the participants during the ceremony and presented certificates of appreciation.
Women’s El Prado Adult School
The student advisory council meets monthly with the education administration to discuss students’ needs within the program. Members of the council are selected based on recommendations from their teachers, staff, and peers. The feedback provided by these meetings has resulted in the increased use of technology, improvements to educational facilities, and improved communication between staff and students.
The Physical Education Trainers are also vital to the incarcerated population’s fitness goals. They assist the institution’s coaches and are selected for their knowledge, ability, and leadership qualities.
These qualities have been observed in trainer-led aerobic and fitness classes in the gym. They also help prepare the next generation of firefighters through the physical fitness program.
The council and physical education trainers support their fellow students, embodying peer mentorship, a pillar of the California Model. They help foster a sense of community and provide examples of excellence in programming and rehabilitation.
Story submitted by Lt. William Newborg
California Institution for Women
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.