CIM, college open first‑of‑its‑kind campus

June 18, 2025

California Institution for Men celebrates campus grand opening for Cal State LA’s Prison Graduation Initiative. Photo by J. Emilio Flores/Cal State LA

A first-of-its-kind college campus space opened at California Institution for Men (CIM) in Chino to provide more access to rehabilitation through the transformative power of higher education.

In collaboration with Cal State LA (CSLA), CDCR announced the campus grand opening of the Prison Graduation Initiative (PGI).

The new education classrooms were transformed from space no longer being used by parole. After two years of construction, the area is now dedicated to education. The campus features technology, instructional classrooms, as well as room for student tutoring and support.

At the May 27 opening, the first 68 students to enroll in the PGI program were presented with admissions letters. This marks the largest cohort of students to be admitted to the program to date.

“Education is designed to equip participants with the tools they need to successfully reenter society,” said acting Warden Eric Mejia. “(Education is) breaking cycles of incarceration and fostering stronger communities.”

Educational opportunities for incarcerated CIM students

Genevie Candelaria, superintendent of the CDCR Office of Correctional Education, also attended the grand opening.

“It’s amazing to see so many students challenging themselves and succeeding in the Cal State LA bachelor’s degree program,” she said. “I could hear and see their confidence and a stronger sense of self, which we know contributes to their academic success and normalizes the college community at CIM. I’m thrilled that CIM and Cal State LA were able to work together to find and transform this space, creating more opportunities for our students and an ability to grow this partnership.”

The new home of the CSLA bachelor’s program features three air-conditioned rooms with touch screens where the incarcerated population will study to earn their degrees in communication studies.

“I’m extremely happy to have this here because it extends an opportunity to further our education, something we at Chino didn’t really know was possible,” said Eric Jones, one of the students.

By Ashton Harris, information officer
Office of Public and Employee Communications

Photos by Ryan Herrera, TV specialist (unless otherwise noted)
California Institution for Men, Chino