CALCTRA

A big shoutout to all CALCTRA employees! In honor of Cal HR Public Service Recognition Week, we want to thank you for your dedication and commitment as outstanding public servants for the State of California. The work you do every day helps transform the lives of incarcerated individuals for the better. Here are a few responses sharing why CALCTRA employees are inspired to come to work.

What inspired you to join public service?

The opportunity to contribute to a mission driven public agency that provides social good and benefits the public and taxpayers. -Matthew E.

I transitioned from the private sector to public service in pursuit of a more sustainable work life balance. – Michael P.

While I initially joined CALCTRA to gain work experience as a student assistant, I was inspired to pursue a permanent role after seeing firsthand how our work directly impacts the community and improves the lives of incarcerated individuals. – Karina G.

I have been in metal fabrication for 23 years. This was an opportunity for me to teach skills to people trying to go back into society in one of the best trades available. Being able to do this for people is a blessing and goes far beyond doing the actual work myself. – Branden S.

Can you recall a moment when you felt especially proud of your impact?

Finding joy and success in each interaction is where I seek to operate vs being proud. Every opportunity to support, mentor, coach, guide, collaborate, and learn from any individual for a shared outcome is where I find joy even if it is difficult and seemingly impossible. – Cameron J.

One of my proudest moments was supervising an incarcerated individual who has since gone on to build a successful life after release. Before she left, she thanked me for the guidance and support I provided. Watching her self-esteem and confidence grow throughout her training was incredibly rewarding and inspiring. – Zille K.

What part of your job brings you the most meaning?

I find meaning in my work by seeing the people I work with succeed. Watching expressions change from stress, uncertainty, or lack of confidence to understanding, pride, and direction is incredibly rewarding. When that light bulb moment happens for someone, I have been working with, whether staff or incarcerated individual, it allows me to step back and watch them grow independently. Those moments of transformation are why I show up every day. – Debi K.

New Employee Orientation and helping individual employees with questions. – Jovanna C.

Working in Financial Services, specifically, Fixed Assets, brings a different kind of impact. So even though the work is technical, it connects to something very tangible: ensuring the physical and financial foundation of programs remains strong and sustainable. And, that part of my work gives me joy and meaning. – Patricia B.

New episode of Prison to Purpose is out now! This episode shines a light on CALCTRA’s Optical Program and the inspiring journey of Robert Castaneda—from incarceration to building a successful career through purpose, skill, and opportunity. Hear how training in prescription eyewear manufacturing opened the door to a new future and proves that second chances can change lives. Vision can transform more than sight—it can transform lives. Tune in to hear Robert’s powerful story of resilience, redemption, and purpose. Listen now and be inspired.

Prison to Purpose - Episode 9 Episode 9 - A Clearer Vision: Robert Castaneda’s Journey Through CALCTRA’s Optical ProgramIn this episode, we shine a light on CALCTRA’s Optical Program—an i...

Check out the Prison to Purpose episode Beneath the Surface: From Incarceration to Commercial Diving Part 2! A powerful story of Dave Calvert, a formerly incarcerated commercial diver who now serves as an assistant dive instructor with CALCTRA.
In this episode, Dave reflects on his journey through the Commercial Diving Program at the CACorrections California Institution for Men in Chino—and how the discipline, trust, and precision required underwater became the foundation for rebuilding his life above the surface. Dave’s story is a reminder that second chances can ripple forward, shaping not just one life, but many. Listen to Part 2 now!

CALCTRA 1 like. "Prison to Purpose Podcast - Episode 8"

Are you looking for a new podcast to listen to? Check out Prison to Purpose! Our latest episode features Kenyatta Kalisana, a former CALCTRA graduate who turned his life around through the CALCTRA Commercial Diving Program at the CACorrections California Institution for Men in Chino. This prison program has gained world-wide attention through the decades. Incarcerated students learn everything from underwater welding, diving physics, along with all the aspects of commercial diving. Kenyatta is now a commercial dive instructor who shares his journey from prison to profession after completing the very program he now teaches. Listen now and discover what’s possible when real skills, second chances, and purpose meet beneath the surface.

Prison to Purpose Podcast - Episode 7 Episode 7 - Beneath the Surface: From Incarceration to Commercial DivingIn this episode of Prison to Purpose, we dive into CALCTRA’s Commercial Dive Program ...

Congratulations to CALCTRA staff members Antwoin Robinson and Carolyn Hughes, for being recognized as Outstanding Team Members at the first annual Clover Awards at CACorrections Central California Women’s Facility.

What’s it really like to work inside a prison? In this episode of Prison to Purpose, we go behind the gates with CALCTRA staff Valerie Dupree and Jack Smith as they share the day-to-day realities of working alongside incarcerated individuals. This episode provides a powerful behind-the-scenes perspective on a career that’s transforming lives. Listen now!

Prison to Purpose Podcast - Episode 6 Episode 6 - Why Work for CALCTRA? — Building Careers and Changing LivesIn this episode, we talk about what it is like to work inside a prison. We take a deep...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Kyle Patterson, Regional Manager for the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters and a member of the Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Board. Kyle opens up about his journey growing up in South Los Angeles, raised by a single mother with nine children, and the challenges that led to incarceration. He shares the turning point that transformed his life and how he went on to become a respected leader.
This episode is a powerful reminder that with support, accountability, and opportunity, second chances can lead to leadership. Listen now and hear how transformation can turn into impact.

Prison to Purpose Podcast - Episode 5 Episode 5 - From Incarceration to LeadershipIn this powerful episode we sit down with Kyle Patterson, the Regional Manager for the Western States Regional Co...

We’re excited to spotlight the latest Calctra Commercial Diving Program at the CACorrections California Institution for Men in Chino. This video was created in partnership with the Western States Carpenters to show what’s possible when elite underwater training meets top-tier craftsmanship—opening real pathways into high-demand careers in commercial diving and the trades.

Celebrating CTE Month: CALCTRA Commercial Diving Program CALCTRA Commercial Diving Program & Western States Carpenters Celebrate Career Technical Education Month

In this weeks episode, Justin Ennis shares his powerful journey from prison to becoming a project manager for a successful commercial developer. With support from Calctra, he gained real skills, a second chance, and a new path forward. Proof that no matter where you start, change is possible. Check out this Prison to Purpose Podcast episode now!

Prison to Purpose - Episode 4 Episode 4 - Redemption and Transformation – Justin Ennis Success Story In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Justin Ennis, a powerful example of transf...

Congratulations to the graduates at Folsom State Prison. Graduates earned job certifications and apprenticeships from CALCTRA programs. In partnership with CDCR, CCHCS, and the Department of Industrial Relations, CALCTRA is able to provide valuable job skills to all individuals in our programs. Thank you to the family members who attended and to our speakers, CDCR Undersecretary Jason Johnson, CALCTRA Acting Director Suzie Changus, FSP Acting Chief Deputy Warden Steven Jimenez, and CALCTRA former graduates Robert Castaneda and Louis Frazier.

Mr. Castaneda graduated from CALCTRA’s Optical program and became a licensed Optician and worked for Eyeglass World and a leading eyewear retail chain. He is now a supervisor over the CALCTRA Optical enterprise at the California State Prison, Solano. Mr. Frazier graduated from CALCTRA’s Metal Fabrication and Computer-Aided Design (Auto-CAD) programs at Folsom State Prison. He now works for a global company that designs high-performance machine tools. Prior to this job, Mr. Frazier worked for Siemens Mobility, manufacturing light rail vehicles.

Way to go graduates!

Check out this Folsom Times article highlighting Calctra's graduation at CACorrections Folsom State Prison yesterday!

Folsom State Prison Awards 126 Graduates With Workforce Certifications – Folsom Times CALCTRA ceremony highlights job training, reentry preparation and paths to employment