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
San Quentin hosts third puppy graduation
San Quentin celebrated its third annual puppy graduation partnering with Canine Companions and pairing incarcerated individuals with service-dog prospects. Dozens…
CTF marks National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) commemorated National Crime Victims’ Rights Week 2026 with a series of events held April 20-24.…
Watch: Franco finds Second Chance via mentor program
Maria Franco, formerly incarcerated at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla, was serving a 34-to-life sentence when she began…
Watch: At MCRP, Bernal finds Second Chance
Incarcerated at 19 years old, Steven Bernal doubted change was possible for him as he faced decades in prison. “I…
Undersecretary observes VR program at CMC
CDCR Undersecretary Jason Johnson visited California Men’s Colony (CMC) to observe the Creative Acts Virtual Reality (VR) Program. Johnson observed…
RJD hosts Crime Victims’ Rights Week event
RJ Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) recently hosted a National Crime Victims’ Rights Week awareness event for staff and the incarcerated…