Incarcerated students at California Institution for Women (CIW) recently made history by becoming the first women to earn degrees through the Prison Graduation Initiative (PGI), a collaboration between CDCR and California State University, Los Angeles. On Oct. 3, the 22 women graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies.
“Higher education is key to the transformation and growth that we see today from many of the students graduating. I’m proud to see them taking a step in the right direction to contribute positively to our society,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
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Loved ones of the graduates and fellow incarcerated women were there cheering on the graduates as they walked the stage to earn their degree. Sports icon and Cal State LA Alumna Billie Jean King delivered the keynote address.
“Never stop learning and never stop learning how to learn. Be a problem solver and an innovator. Only you graduates understand what it took to earn this degree. This can be a turning point,” said King. “Use your new platform, live your new future. Today is your day. Keep believing yourself, keep dreaming and keep going for it.”
Prison Graduation Initiative
California State University, Los Angeles, staff and CIW’s graduates.
The collaboration between CDCR and Cal State LA began in 2016 at California State Prison, Los Angeles County, in Lancaster. To date, 73 students have earned bachelor’s degrees while incarcerated, including 21 who seamlessly completed their coursework at Cal State LA after paroling.
Earlier this year in May, Cal State LA partnered with CDCR to build the first “college campus” within a prison at the California Institution for Men in Chino, where 59 matriculated students are pursuing college degrees. The two-year, 60-unit program provides tailored coursework focused on connecting student learning to future careers.
In the 2025-26 school year, PGI will serve 180 students in three prisons:
California State Prison, Los Angeles County
California Institution for Women
and California Institution for Men.
“Today’s milestone reflects the power of education to transform lives. These graduates have demonstrated a true commitment to building a better future,” said CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber. “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. I congratulate each graduate and extend my gratitude to all who supported them along the way.”
CDCR’S college programs
CDCR partners with California’s public higher education system to offer associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees through California community colleges, California State University, and the University of California systems. More than 13.5 percent of the entire incarcerated population are enrolled in college courses.
“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,” said Cal State LA PGI graduate Jennifer Henderson. “LWOP 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.”
After the ceremony, graduates spent quality time with their families to celebrate their accomplishment.
“We are people, we are humans and, yes, we have fallen short. We’ve made mistakes but we’ve overcome those and furthering our education is allowing us to have a better life and a better self,” said graduate Rita DeAnda.
“I am super proud of her, and God willing one day we will be able to go to the actual campus and celebrate there and be with each other outside of these walls,” said Rita’s son Alex.
>> Learn more about CDCR’s education programs on the website.
Story, photos, video by Ashton Harris, information officer
Office of Public and Employee Communications
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