CALCTRA

It was an awesome day as CALCTRA celebrated one of its biggest graduations! Congratulations to all the graduates at CACorrections California State Prison, Solano who earned job certifications and apprenticeships from CALCTRA programs. Thank you to the family members who attended and to our speakers, CALCTRA Acting Director Suzie Changus, CSP Solano Acting Warden Andre Gonzales, and CALCTRA former graduate Tommy DeLuna.

Tommy graduated from CALCTRA’s General Fabrication program at the California State Prison, Corcoran. After returning to his community in 2019, he became a Life Coach for the Anti-Recidivism Coalition. He now works for St. Vincent de Paul’s Exodus Project which offers mentoring and extensive resources to people coming out of incarceration and returning to the Sacramento and Solano Areas as a project manager. Mr. DeLuna wants to continue to improve the lives of others, especially in underserved communities.

Way to go graduates!

Check out the newest episode of Prison to Purpose where we explore how skilled trade education inside prison is opening doors to meaningful careers and brighter futures. Through CALCTRA’s pre-apprenticeship programs with the Carpenters, Laborers, and Iron Workers unions, incarcerated individuals are gaining real-world skills, industry certifications, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Hear from a union instructor preparing students for careers in carpentry, and meet Ray Williams, a former graduate of CALCTRA’s Pre-Apprentice Laborers Program at CACorrections Folsom State Prison.
These programs do more than teach a trade—they strengthen communities, improve public safety, and reduce recidivism by helping people leave prison with the tools to succeed. Tune in to hear how second chances are being built one skill, one opportunity, and one life at a time.

Prison to Purpose Podcast- Episode 11 Episode 11 - Building Second Chances: From Incarceration to Union T...

Behind every California license plate is a story few people ever hear. In the latest episode of Prison to Purpose, we go inside CACorrections Folsom State Prison to explore the history of California’s license plate production and the incarcerated individuals who create them through job training programs. The story isn’t just about what’s made—it’s about the people behind the process. Listen now and hear the stories that often go unseen.

Prison to Purpose Podcast - Episode 10 Episode 10- Made Inside: License Plates, and the Meaning of Work Be...

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!

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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...