22 Incarcerated Women Graduate with Degrees from Cal State LA

On March 15, 2024, a historic milestone was achieved as 22 incarcerated women graduated with bachelor’s degrees from California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA). This event marked the first all-female graduating class under a partnership between the university and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), reflecting a significant step in promoting educational opportunities within the correctional system.

All graduates, currently serving time at the California Institution for Women in Corona, received a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts. This achievement underscores the ongoing efforts of CDCR to enhance educational programs for inmates, as the agency asserts that it “leads the nation in higher education.” Each year, thousands of inmates participate in educational programs aimed at meeting their academic needs.

Education as a Tool for Transformation

CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber highlighted the transformative power of education in reducing recidivism rates. He noted that individuals who engage in educational programs while incarcerated are significantly less likely to reoffend. “Today’s milestone reflects the power of education to transform lives,” Macomber stated. “By expanding access to higher education inside our institutions, we are not only opening doors for personal growth but also strengthening pathways for safer, healthier communities across California.”

Research indicates that incarcerated individuals who participate in educational programs are 48% less likely to return to prison within three years compared to those who do not have access to such opportunities. This statistic reinforces the importance of the Prison Graduation Initiative, a program launched by CDCR in collaboration with Cal State LA in 2016. Since its inception, a total of 73 students have earned bachelor’s degrees while incarcerated, with 21 completing their studies seamlessly after parole.

California Governor Gavin Newsom also expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing the role of higher education in fostering personal growth and societal contribution. “I’m proud to see them taking a step in the right direction to contribute positively to our society,” he remarked.

A Unique Learning Environment

In addition to the program at the California Institution for Women, Cal State LA has collaborated with CDCR to establish a “college campus” at the California Institution for Men in Chino. This facility represents the first of its kind within a correctional institution in the United States. Currently, 59 students are enrolled in a two-year program that offers tailored coursework designed to connect them with career opportunities.

This academic year, the Prison Graduation Initiative is set to serve 180 students across three correctional facilities: California State Prison, Los Angeles County; California Institution for Women; and California Institution for Men. One graduate of the initiative, Jennifer Henderson, shared her experience, stating that the program has profoundly changed her perspective on life. “LWOP [life without parole] now means live with opportunity and purpose,” Henderson said. “I am proud to be a part of a rehabilitative program that appreciates me for the woman I am today, and the value of my thoughts and inspiration of my voice.”

Henderson’s story exemplifies the potential impact of educational programs on inmates, fostering a sense of purpose and encouraging personal development. As the Prison Graduation Initiative continues to expand, it aims to create more pathways for individuals to reintegrate into society successfully.

The achievements of this all-female graduating class not only represent a personal victory for the graduates but also signify a broader commitment to rehabilitation and education within the correctional system. As these women embark on their post-graduate journeys, they carry with them the hope and potential for a brighter future.