California Institution for Men (CIM) staff and guests saw 55 students graduate education programs.
Families, friends, and community partners attended the late-December ceremony.
Warden Travis Pennington congratulated the graduates and welcomed guests.
“I’m proud of you,” he said.
Acknowledging their hard work, he also encouraged them to continue to pursue other educational opportunities.
Watch the video (story continues below):
Dr. Harry Obiako, CIM Supervisor of Correctional Education Programs, also congratulated the graduates, sharing an inspirational message and words of wisdom.
He said the school, along with their college professor, have done their best in guiding them to discover their true identities. The hope is such self-discovery will help them find their place in the world.
He also reminded graduates to think about what matters in life, such as family, how they conduct their affairs, their health, and personal wellbeing. Ultimately, he said, the graduates should always think about their place in the society as they rejoin their various communities.
Jason Bell, Director of Project Rebound from San Francisco State University, offered words of encouragement and inspiration.
“I come to you as an adjunct professor in criminology, sociology and, at times, counseling, but more importantly, all that comes after I was sentenced to 17 years in prison,” Bell told the graduates. “I started my journey through education in the California prison system.”
He explained there is life after incarceration. Bell also encouraged them to use support systems in place to make their education journeys easier.
“You don’t have to do this alone,” he said.
Three graduates were among the speakers, sharing their educational experiences. They took time to thank their teachers and other stakeholders who helped them along the way.
Story by Dr. Harry Obiako, Supervisor of Correctional Education Programs
Photos and video by Ryan Herrera, Television Specialist
Submitted by Lt. Ignacio Vera
55 graduate CIM education programs in photos
Read more rehabilitation stories.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.
Related content
A closer look at CTF Rising Scholars program
The Rising Scholars from Within (RSFW) program at the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) is a partnership with Hartnell College. The…
Life‑saving era: CDCR expands naloxone access
To decrease overdose deaths in California prisons, CDCR has expanded unprecedented access to naloxone. Commonly known by its brand name,…
Watch: Bonding on the Field: CIM flag football
On a foggy Friday afternoon at California Institution for Men (CIM) in Chino, competition and camaraderie came together as players…
Centinela hosts Saints Prison Ministry softball
Saints Prison Ministry visited Centinela State Prison (CEN) to engage incarcerated persons on three facilities in friendly yet competitive softball…
Probation, education leaders tour VSP
Valley State Prison (VSP) recently welcomed probation and education leaders on tours to learn more about rehabilitation efforts. The two…
Vic Blends makes surprise visit to Valley State Prison
On a recent afternoon, the newly renovated Valley State Prison barbershop was buzzing with excitement, but students had no idea…