News Summary
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the graduation of the first-ever class of 22 incarcerated women who completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies at the California Institution for Women. This achievement demonstrates a commitment to expanding educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals in California, facilitating their rehabilitation and future employment. Participants received career counseling and the program aims to enhance access to education within the correctional system, promoting personal growth and reducing recidivism.
Chino, California – Governor Gavin Newsom announced the historic graduation of the first-ever class of 22 incarcerated women at the California Institution for Women. These women earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies through California State University, Los Angeles, marking a significant milestone in educational opportunities for the incarcerated population in the state.
This graduation is part of a larger initiative aimed at enhancing educational access for incarcerated individuals throughout California. This comprehensive program aligns with the state’s goal to create rehabilitative environments for those who are incarcerated. Over two years, the students managed to complete up to four courses per semester, demonstrating dedication and commitment to their education.
In addition to attending classes, participants received personalized career counseling. This included the development of a LinkedIn profile and creation of a career portfolio, which are essential tools for securing future employment once they re-enter society. The initiative underscores a broader commitment to not only rehabilitate but also equip incarcerated individuals with the skills necessary for success post-release. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Secretary Jeff Macomber highlighted that expanding access to higher education is crucial for strengthening community pathways and facilitating personal growth.
To ensure quality education, all faculty and tutors who participated in this program underwent a yearlong equity-minded faculty learning community program. This training is designed to enhance their understanding and approach to teaching incarcerated individuals. The emphasis on education as a means of rehabilitation has been a cornerstone of Governor Newsom’s strategy to transform the state’s correctional system, focusing on improving public safety through education.
Billie Jean King, a renowned keynote speaker and Cal State LA alumni, emphasized the critical role of lifelong learning and innovation for the graduates during the commencement ceremony, further reinforcing the importance of educational pursuits even in challenging circumstances.
The partnership between the CDCR and Cal State LA spans nearly a decade, benefiting over 118 students since its inception. Looking ahead, the initiative aims to serve a total of 139 students across three prisons during the 2025-26 school year, reflecting a growing commitment to education within the correctional system.
California’s public higher education system currently offers a variety of degrees to incarcerated individuals. Notably, over 13.5% of the incarcerated population in the state is enrolled in college courses, emphasizing the trend toward integrating educational programs within the correctional framework.
Research supports the effectiveness of educational programs in reducing recidivism. It has been found that every $1 invested in rehabilitation can save more than $4 in re-incarceration costs. Additionally, studies indicate that individuals engaged in educational programs are 48% less likely to return to prison within three years compared to those without access to such resources. Notably, a significant majority of crime survivor groups advocate for sentencing options that include rehabilitative programming, aiming to reduce recidivism rates.
As California continues to forge a new path within its correctional system, the successful graduation of the first cohort of incarcerated women marks a pivotal step forward in promoting education and rehabilitation as fundamental components of criminal justice reform.
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