California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority, Rehabilitation

CALCTRA graduates earn job certifications at FSP

February 20, 2026

California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority (CALCTRA) recognized 126 incarcerated individuals during a graduation ceremony at Folsom State Prison (FSP).

In partnership with CDCR, California Correctional Health Care Services, and the California Department of Industrial Relations, CALCTRA honored the graduates at FSP Feb. 10 with their job certifications and apprenticeships.

Graduation group photo for CALCTRA at Folsom State Prison (FSP). — From left are success story Louis Frazier, FSP acting Warden Rosalinda Rosalez, CALCTRA acting Director Suzie Changus, graduate Christian Zamora, CDCR Undersecretary Jason Johnson, FSP acting Chief Deputy Warden Steve Jimenez, and success story Robert Castaneda.

‘You can do great things’

CDCR Undersecretary Jason Johnson recognized the graduates for their hard work and commitment to building a better future.

“Gentlemen, you have proven you can do great things,” said Johnson. “You all have made these programs work and proved to the world that you can rehabilitate.”

Undersecretary Jason Johnson speaks at the CALCTRA graduation ceremony at FSP. — *CDCR Undersecretary Jason Johnson*

The industry-recognized certifications equip CALCTRA participants with valuable skills and create pathways to meaningful employment as they prepare to return to their communities.

CALCTRA acting Director Suzie Changus offered words of encouragement to the graduates.

Acting Director Suzie Changus at the Folsom State Prison CALCTRA graduation in February 2026. — *CALCTRA acting Director Suzie Changus*

“Today is our opportunity to celebrate and recognize you among your peers, mentors, family and friends,” said Changus. “What you have accomplished takes work ethic, discipline, and a mindset that will serve you beyond today and these walls.”

Steven Jimenez, acting chief deputy warden of FSP, joined the ceremony to demonstrate the institution’s continued support for rehabilitation and reentry efforts.

Acting Chief Deputy Warden Steve Jimenez speaks at Folsom State Prison CALCTRA graduation, Feb. 10, 2026. — *FSP acting Chief Deputy Warden Steve Jimenez*

“Through our partnership with CALCTRA we are bridging the gap between doing time and building careers,” added Jiminez. “Today’s success is a direct reflection of your hard work and tenacity. Keep pushing, leading, and building. Congratulations.”

Returning to share success stories

Robert Castaneda speaks during the CALCTRA graduation. — *Robert Castaneda*

Highlighting the impact of the program were two formerly incarcerated CALCTRA graduates, Robert Castaneda and Louis Frazier. They returned to prison to share their stories of success.

Castaneda graduated from CALCTRA’s optical program and became a licensed optician. He worked for one of the largest prescription eyewear retailers. Castaneda is now an industrial supervisor in CALCTRA’s Optical lab.

“Never limit yourself and have a mindset that you will succeed. Stay focused and true to yourself,” said Castaneda.

Louis Frazier speaks during the CALCTRA graduation at FSP. — Louis Frazier

Louis Frazier graduated from CALCTRA’s Metal Fabrication and Computer-Aided Design program at FSP. He credits his seven years of job training for helping him find employment when he returned to his community in 2022.

“At my very first interview, I didn’t walk in with a resume. I walked in with my CALCTRA apprenticeship certification. The skills behind that certificate spoke for me, and I walked out that day with a job,” said Frazier.

He now works for Tri Tool Technologies, a global leader in the design of high-performance machine tools.

Frazier closed out the graduation ceremony with, “Every day is a great day, don’t give up.”

Story by Kendal Twilling, Analyst II
CALCTRA External Affairs