California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority, Rehabilitation

CALPIA honors 34 graduates at CSP‑Corcoran

February 28, 2025

It was a day of celebration at California State Prison, Corcoran, as the California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) honored 34 graduates.

The incarcerated individuals received job certifications and/or apprenticeships at the Feb. 6 event.

In partnership with CDCR, California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS), and the California Department of Industrial Relations, CALPIA recognized the graduates for their hard work and accomplishments.

“We are here to honor and acknowledge your accomplishments and the success you have achieved,” said CALPIA’s General Manager Bill Davidson. “I hope you understand the work you do here is truly the beginning of a career for you, a career that will extend when you leave this institution.”

CALPIA graduates received industry accredited certifications in Healthcare Facilities Maintenance, Food and Beverage Packaging, and Milk Processing.

Prison Industry Board Members Katherine Minnich and Kyle Patterson attended the afternoon ceremony, along with family, friends, and staff.

Jason Johnson speaking to CALPIA graduates at Corcoran prison. — Jason Johnson, acting CDCR Undersecretary of Operations.

CALPIA General Manager Bill Davidson speaking at a graduation ceremony. — Jason Johnson, acting CDCR Undersecretary of Operations.

Encouragement from CDCR, CALPIA

Acting CDCR Undersecretary of Operations Jason Johnson had some encouraging words for the graduates.

“I enjoy coming to these graduations as I like to see the success, effort, and commitment that you all have,” said Johnson. “Continue to stay committed and don’t let this be your end all. You have done some things that I haven’t accomplished. You should be proud of yourselves.”

Corcoran Associate Warden Anthony Randolph also congratulated the graduates.

“As you move forward, remember, you are not defined by your past. You are defined by your potential and your willingness to grow,” said Randolph. “You have the power to create a bright future, not just for yourselves, but for those around you.”

Former CAPLPIA graduate returns to share hope

Former CALPIA graduate Justin Ennis delivered the keynote address. Ennis was formerly incarcerated at Corcoran and shared how he obtained certifications while in prison and how that has helped his journey today.

“I come back to spread hope. Before being incarcerated, I didn’t hold a job, until working for CALPIA. If you are sitting here like I was, thinking is it going to come to fruition? It will work out,” said Ennis. “I used to say, why buy into it? Then, someone once asked me, ‘What do you have to lose?’ I took the programs seriously because I wanted a career once I leave prison.”

When Ennis returned to his community, he found a job with a commercial real estate developer on the Central Coast. He promoted to project manager within two years of his release. He now even hires other CALPIA graduates. Most importantly, he continues to give back to the incarcerated population through his non-profit organization, Pathway to Kinship.

By Stephanie Eres, Public Information Officer, CALPIA