California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority, Inside CDCR Video, Rehabilitation

New year, new name: CALPIA becomes CALCTRA

January 9, 2026

The new year rang in a new name for the California Prison Industry Authority or CALPIA. The organization officially changed its name to the California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority or CALCTRA.

The new name better reflects the organization’s commitment to providing job training, career preparation, and rehabilitative opportunities to incarcerated individuals across the state.

The name change officially happened Jan. 1, 2026, following the enactment of Senate Bill 157 and Senate Bill 857.

Watch the video (story continues below):

New name reflects CALCTRA mission

On Jan. 6, CALCTRA held a ribbon cutting ceremony and CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber, who is also the Chair of the Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Board, shared some opening remarks.

“This new name truly reflects the heart of our mission,” said Macomber. “Many people hear ‘Prison Industry’ and don’t realize the organization is centered on rehabilitation, skills training, and creating real career pathways for incarcerated individuals. ‘Correctional Training and Rehabilitation’ better communicates the purpose and value of the work it does every day.”

Retired CALPIA Director Bill Davidson, whose leadership was instrumental in driving the name change, emphasized the significance of this transition.

“This change isn’t just cosmetic, it’s a bold statement about who we are and what we stand for,” Davidson said. “We are reaffirming our mission to prepare individuals for careers and successful reentry. The new name helps the public, employers, and our partners instantly understand our commitment to rehabilitation and training.”

CALCTRA acting Director Suzie Changus noted how the new name will also inspire confidence among the incarcerated population.

“When incarcerated individuals understand they are part of an organization focused on their training and rehabilitation, it enhances their belief in their own success,” Changus said. “A huge benefit for our participants is the breadth of occupations they can train in and the knowledge that real careers are waiting for them when they return home.”

Feedback from others

Board Member Kyle Patterson, a formerly incarcerated individual who now serves as Regional Manager for the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters, shared his personal perspective on the impact of CALCTRA’s programs.

“I’m living proof that programs like this change lives,” Patterson said. “CALCTRA gives people the tools to build a career before they leave prison. So, when they return to their communities, they can succeed.”

The new name also helps strengthen CALCTRA’s partnerships with employers statewide, many of whom offer jobs to program participants before they even leave prison. By emphasizing “training” and “rehabilitation,” the agency hopes to attract additional partners who share its vision for second chances.

What is CALCTRA?

CALCTRA provides job skills training to approximately 5,800 individuals in CDCR institutions. The agency offers industry-recognized certifications that reduce recidivism and promote public safety. A University of California, Irvine study found participants have a 15 percent return-to-custody rate after three years. This means 85 percent do not return to prison.

CALCTRA name unveiling in photos

Retired General Manager Bill Davidson speaks during the ceremony for CALCTRA.

CALCTRA new name from CALPIA with staff standing in front of the hill.

Story by Michele Kane, CALCTRA’s Deputy Director, External Affairs
Photos and video by Richard Tan, TV Specialist, CDCR Office of Public & Employee Communications

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