Photo credit: CDCRCALIFORNIA – The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) announced that 22 incarcerated women at the California Institution for Women in Corona officially graduated on October 3.
The graduates earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Liberal Studies through a partnership with California State University, Los Angeles.
These graduates represent the first female cohort to complete the Cal State LA program while incarcerated.
Studies show that incarcerated individuals who participate in correctional education are 48% less likely to return to prison within three years than those who did not have access to these opportunities.
Graduate Jennifer Henderson said she’s proud to be part of a rehabilitative program that appreciates her for the woman she is today.
“LWOP [life without parole] now means to live with opportunity and purpose. I chose to grow and develop my mind and spirit and empower others to live beyond any label,” Henderson said.
Shift in correctional policy
The Prison Graduation Initiative (PGI), a collaboration between CDCR and Cal State LA, began in 2016 at California State Prison, Los Angeles County, in Lancaster.
To date, 73 incarcerated students have earned bachelor’s degrees, including 21 who continued and completed their studies at Cal State LA after parole.
CDCR says it leads the nation in prison higher education, enrolling thousands each year in programs that meet educational needs and build reentry skills.
The state continues to shift correctional policy toward supporting staff and survivors while fostering rehabilitation and education for incarcerated people—creating safer communities overall.
Established first college campus inside a prison
In May, Cal State LA partnered with CDCR to establish the first college campus inside a prison at the California Institution for Men in Chino, where 59 students are now pursuing degrees.
The two-year, 60-unit program offers coursework tailored to connect learning with future careers.
In 2025–26, PGI will serve 180 students across three prisons – California State Prison, Los Angeles County; California Institution for Women; and California Institution for Men.
Governor Gavin Newsom said higher education is key to the transformation and growth seen in this graduating class.
“I’m proud to see them taking a step in the right direction to contribute positively to our society,” Newsom said.
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