California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority, Rehabilitation

Valley State Prison hosts CALPIA graduation

March 28, 2025

The California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) recognized 46 incarcerated individuals at Valley State Prison.

Valley State Prison acting Warden O'Brian Bailey — Acting Warden Bailey

The March 6 graduation was made possible through a partnership with CDCR, California Correctional Health Care Services, and the California Department of Industrial Relations.

Incarcerated individuals were received their job certifications and apprenticeship completion certificates while working in CALPIA’s Optical, Laundry, and Healthcare Facilities Maintenance programs.

The industry accredited certifications help incarcerated individuals find meaningful employment when returning to their communities.

CALPIA’s General Manager Bill Davidson encouraged graduates during the ceremony.

“As you go forward, just remember the individual worth each of you has,” said Davidson. “I thank you for what you do (and) for the decision you made to participate in a CALPIA program. I wish you all the success as you go forward today and for your future.”

Acting Warden O’Brian Bailey also congratulated the graduates.

“Don’t ever stop learning. I learn each and every day from people I surround myself with,” said Bailey. “This graduation is a testimony to the work you have put in. This is an opportunity to showcase what you have achieved. Enjoy your moment.”

CALPIA, Valley State Prison celebrates achievements

Incarcerated people cheer on fellow CALPIA graduates at Valley State Prison.

Family, friends, and staff cheered on the graduates who were excited for the graduation ceremony.

Robert Castaneda speaks during the CALPIA graduation ceremony at Valley State Prison in Chowchilla. — Robert Castaneda

Incarcerated individuals obtain workplace knowledge, skills, and industry-recognized credentials through apprenticeship training. The number of hours to obtain Journeyperson level varies by job classification, ranging from 2,000 to 8,000 hours.

In addition, all apprentices are required to complete 144 hours of related supplemental instruction annually.

Formerly incarcerated and CALPIA graduate Robert Castaneda returned to prison to share his story of success.

“The skills I learned in CALPIA gave me an edge when I returned to my community. I kept learning, and I kept asking questions,” said Castaneda. “If you stick with it you, too can have a foundation for success.”

Castaneda graduated from CALPIA’s Optical program. Castenada is now a licensed optician and works for one of the largest prescription eyewear retailers.

A recent University of California, Irvine, recidivism study found that CALPIA participants have a 15 percent return to custody rate after three years, which means 85 percent of all CALPIA participants do not return to prison. Castaneda is one of those 85 percent.

“I am a licensed optician, and I am grateful to the staff who supported me along the way,” he said.

By Stephanie Eres, CALPIA Public Information Officer
Photographs by Scott Monaco