Watch: VSP students earn college degrees

October 27, 2026

Valley State Prison (VSP) saw 27 earn bachelor’s degrees and another six earn master’s degrees from two colleges.

In partnership with California State University (CSU) Fresno, VSP participated in the Degrees of Change 2026 Convocation held Oct. 15.

On this day, CSU-Fresno conferred 27 Bachelor of Arts in Social Science degrees. This marked the second CSU-Fresno graduation ceremony at VSP in Chowchilla. Six students were also honored as they earned master’s degrees from CSU-Dominguez Hills.

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Frank Robles, incarcerated at VSP, said he still can’t believe he’s earned a college degree.

“I never believed this was possible,” he said. “Now I get to walk away with my (degree) from Fresno State. Where I came from, this should have never happened.”

He said he’s grateful for the opportunities presented through the rehabilitation programs offered at the prison.

Frank Robles earns his college degree at VSP in Chowchilla.

“Every day … is the opportunity to change the narrative of your life,” Robles said. “If no one else is there to believe in you, believe in yourself.”

The gym was filled with graduates, loved ones, faculty and custody staff, all of whom congratulated, celebrated and honored these graduates on their significant achievements.

Video by Chris Medina, Director (specialist), TV Communications Center