California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority, Rehabilitation

CALPIA graduates earn job certifications at CIM

April 25, 2025

Inside the California Prison Industry Authority’s (CALPIA) commercial dive center, 24 graduates received their job certifications and apprenticeships at the California Institution for Men (CIM).

The April 8 graduation ceremony was held in front of family, friends and staff.

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

Prison Industry Board Members Katherine Minnich, Kyler Patterson, and Troy Vaughn also attended.

Graduates were recognized for completing programs in:

commercial diving
healthcare facilities maintenance
food and beverage
commercial laundry,
and warehouse and distribution.

CALPIA General Manager Bill Davidson speaks to the graduates at CIM.

CALPIA’s General Manager Bill Davidson spoke words of encouragement during the ceremony.

“I have seen and met many individuals who were in your seats,” said CALPIA’s General Manager Bill Davidson. “My invitation to you is to do everything you can when you leave this place. Work hard, make those dreams that you have become realities and make those visions you have become achievements. I wish you all the best.”

Acting Warden Eric Mejia also shared words of inspiration.

“This is a celebration of your growth, accomplishments, and the new opportunities that lie ahead,” said Mejia. “What you all have achieved is remarkable. It serves as a testament to your dedication and collective support you’ve received from your peers, mentors, and families.”

Former graduates return to share stories of success

Ruben Minjarez speaks with CALPIA Assistant General Manager Michele Kane at CIM. — Ruben Minjarez and Michele Kane, CALPIA Assistant General Manager, External Affairs.

Phillip Davis graduated the CALPIA diving program 50 years ago at CIM. — Ruben Minjarez and Michele Kane, CALPIA Assistant General Manager, External Affairs.

In attendance were former CALPIA graduates who returned to CIM to share their stories and provide words of encouragement.

Ruben Minjarez, who graduated from CALPIA’s commercial dive program in 2009, now works for the American Marine Corporation as a marine superintendent.

“I am so thankful for this opportunity to speak to you today,” said Minjarez. “I really hope you take advantage of this opportunity. It will be the best thing that happens to you while you are here. You get out of it what you put into it.”

Another former graduate, Phillip Davis, was one of the first graduates from the program 50 years ago. His black and white photo still hangs on the wall inside the commercial dive center. Davis was emotional returning to the place where his career started. Now retired, he credits the program for his success as a commercial diver and crane operator.

“One of the best things that happened to me was completing this CALPIA program,” said Davis. “Don’t quit on yourself.”

Motivational words from dive instructors

Two CALPIA instructors. — Instructors Dave Calvert and Kenyatta Kalisana.

CIM’s dive instructors Kenyatta Kalisana and Dave Calvert showed their support for the nine graduates who completed their commercial dive apprenticeship program. The instructors also provided the graduates with words of inspiration and support.

“I am a graduate of CALPIA and now I teach,” said Kalisana. “This is such a great experience, and I always tell you guys to take it seriously. The education you gain now will continue on once you leave, I am very proud of you all.”

“Be accountable, honest, and work hard,” said Calvert. “Show up and be the best version of yourself.”

How effective is CALPIA?

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.

Story by Kendal Twilling, associate governmental program analyst, CALPIA