CALCTRA ceremony highlights job training, reentry preparation and paths to employment
A full-circle moment unfolded Tuesday at Folsom State Prison during the Folsom State Prison Apprenticeship and Graduation Ceremony, which recognized 126 incarcerated individuals who completed workforce training, nationally accredited job certifications and apprenticeship programs designed to prepare them for employment following release.
The ceremony was hosted by the California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority in partnership with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, reflecting the agencies’ shared mission of building success through job training. Graduates honored at the event completed certifications and apprenticeships aligned with real-world industries and workforce needs, creating pathways to stable employment and long-term success upon reentry.
According to CALCTRA officials, participants in the program have a 15 percent return-to-custody rate within three years, meaning 85 percent do not return to prison. Officials said the results demonstrate the long-term impact of providing incarcerated individuals with marketable skills, discipline and a foundation for future employment.
A central element of the ceremony included former CALCTRA graduates who had since reentered society and secured employment in the Sacramento region. Their presence provided current graduates with firsthand examples of what was possible beyond incarceration, reinforcing the practical value of completing job training prior to release.
Speaking to the graduates, Folsom State Prison Acting Chief Deputy Warden Steven Jiminez said the ceremony marked an important milestone while acknowledging that challenges would still lie ahead. He said the accomplishments being recognized reflected sustained effort and personal growth, and described the training programs as something that extended beyond job preparation alone.
“Today’s success is a reflection of your hard work,” Jiminez said.
Jiminez spoke about transformation and the development of a new identity through education and skill-building, saying programs offered in partnership with CALCTRA helped bridge the gap between incarceration and meaningful employment in the community. He also pointed to the wide range of certifications represented among the graduates, noting their importance to California’s workforce.
“Today we celebrate students. We celebrate professions,” Jiminez said, congratulating the graduates and encouraging them to continue building on the foundation they had established.
CDCR Undersecretary Jason Johnson followed, telling graduates their achievements demonstrated perseverance and the ability to overcome obstacles.
“You have proven you can do great things and achieve great things at Folsom State Prison,” Johnson said.
Speaking on behalf of CDCR, CALCTRA and the California Health Care Facility, Johnson congratulated both the graduates and their families, recognizing the broader support systems behind their success. He also acknowledged the challenges many faced along the way.
“I know your journey has not been smooth, and there have been major bumps along the way,” Johnson said. “I have brothers who have been in your shoes before.”
Johnson thanked those involved in sustaining the programs and said the results showed what rehabilitation-focused training could accomplish.
“Thank you all for making these programs work and for proving to the world that rehabilitation is possible,” he said.
CALCTRA Acting Director Suzie Changus followed, thanking CDCR leadership and staff for their partnership and recognizing the commitment required for both graduates and their families to reach the milestone being celebrated.
“Today is our opportunity to celebrate you,” Changus said, citing the discipline, work ethic and dedication required to complete the programs.
Changus told graduates that earning certifications marked progress rather than an endpoint, and spoke about resilience as a skill developed through adversity.She encouraged graduates to learn from setbacks and remain intentional about their future goals.
“If you use it once, you can use it again and again and again,” Changus said. Preparation is the sign of your intention.”
Changus closed by reminding graduates that the progress they had made could not be undone and that their accomplishments carried lasting impact for themselves and their loved ones.
“You made progress that cannot be undone,” Changus said. “You’re making a difference for you and your loved ones, and we’re honored to be a part of that.”
Former CALCTRA graduates Robert Castanada and Louis Frazier also addressed the audience, sharing their experiences transitioning from incarceration to employment and stability in the Sacramento region, reinforcing the long-term value of completing job training prior to release.
CALCTRA officials said programs like those recognized Tuesday continue to play a significant role in reducing recidivism while enhancing public safety by preparing participants for productive, employment-focused reentry.
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Folsom Times would like to thank CDCR and CALCTRA for arranging us access to this event.
