CDCR schools ready incarcerated for reentry

October 13, 2026

CDCR schools are helping incarcerated individuals get ready for their eventual reentry back into the community.

The Adult Basic Education (ABE) program is for incarcerated individuals who have not yet earned a high school diploma (HSD) or equivalency (GED). While mandatory, students can move at their own pace, with the goal of eventually earning a diploma or GED.

“We help our students develop skills useful in the classroom (and) outside, inside an institution (or) outside,” said Vincent Wolfe, supervisor of Adult Education Programs. “Our program is more about students learning how to be thinkers, reasoners and critical thinkers.”

ABE students said the program helps provide a sense of purpose, belonging and camaraderie.

One ABE student explained how the program is helping him learn to read and write in English, as Spanish is their main language.

Students work in a CDCR school classroom.

“All the racial barriers come down as soon as we step in the classroom,” said one ABE III student. “No one comes here mad (and) no one comes sad, we leave all that at the door. It’s awesome to have a place where we can escape and find hope.”

Learn more about the Division of Rehabilitative Programs on the CDCR website.

Video and story by Matthew Sichler, Analyst II
Content Production and Design
Division of Rehabilitative Programs

Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter).