CALCTRA Graduates Earn Job Certifications at Folsom State Prison

126 incarcerated individuals recognized for completing training programs and apprenticeships

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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The California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority (CALCTRA) held a graduation ceremony at Folsom State Prison (FSP) on February 10, 2026, recognizing 126 incarcerated individuals who earned industry-recognized job certifications and apprenticeships through the program's partnership with CDCR, California Correctional Health Care Services, and the California Department of Industrial Relations.

Why it matters

The CALCTRA program aims to equip incarcerated individuals with valuable job skills and create pathways to meaningful employment as they prepare to return to their communities, supporting rehabilitation and reentry efforts.

The details

The graduation ceremony honored the hard work and commitment of the CALCTRA participants, who completed training programs in fields such as optical, metal fabrication, and computer-aided design. Two formerly incarcerated CALCTRA graduates, Robert Castaneda and Louis Frazier, returned to the prison to share their success stories, highlighting how the program's job certifications and apprenticeships helped them find employment upon release.

  • The graduation ceremony took place on February 10, 2026 at Folsom State Prison.
  • Robert Castaneda and Louis Frazier, both former CALCTRA graduates, returned to the prison to share their success stories.

The players

CALCTRA

The California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority, a program that provides incarcerated individuals with industry-recognized job certifications and apprenticeships.

CDCR

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which partners with CALCTRA to support rehabilitation and reentry efforts.

Robert Castaneda

A former CALCTRA graduate who became a licensed optician and now works as an industrial supervisor in CALCTRA's Optical lab.

Louis Frazier

A former CALCTRA graduate who completed the Metal Fabrication and Computer-Aided Design program and now works for Tri Tool Technologies, a global leader in the design of high-performance machine tools.

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What they’re saying

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

— Jason Johnson, CDCR Undersecretary (ca.gov)

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

— Suzie Changus, CALCTRA acting Director (ca.gov)

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

— Steven Jimenez, Acting Chief Deputy Warden of Folsom State Prison (ca.gov)

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

— Robert Castaneda (ca.gov)

“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.”

— Louis Frazier (ca.gov)

The takeaway

The CALCTRA program's success in providing incarcerated individuals with industry-recognized job certifications and apprenticeships demonstrates the power of rehabilitation and reentry efforts, helping to bridge the gap between incarceration and meaningful employment and giving participants the tools to build better futures for themselves and their communities.