From Incarceration to Leadership

Building Second Chances: From Incarceration to Union Trades

In this episode of Prison to Purpose, we explore how skilled trade education in prison is creating pathways to meaningful careers. Pre-apprenticeship programs, including those offered by CALCTRA through the Carpenters, Laborers, and Iron Workers unions, are delivering real results behind prison walls. Hear inspiring success stories that demonstrate the power of opportunity, workforce development, and second chances. Why does this matter? When people leave prison with the skills, training, and support needed to secure good-paying jobs, they are far less likely to return—improving public safety and reducing costs for taxpayers. Hear from a union instructor preparing students for careers in carpentry, and meet Ray Williams, a graduate of CALCTRA's Pre-Apprentice Laborers Program at Folsom State Prison. Ray's journey from incarceration to a union apprenticeship and successful career demonstrates the impact of hard work, mentorship, and opportunity. Watch and listen to new episodes of Prison to Purpose: Building Futures Behind Bars every other Tuesday and follow us on social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CALCTRA/ [https://www.facebook.com/CALCTRA/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calctra/ [https://www.instagram.com/calctra/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CALCTRA [https://www.youtube.com/@CALCTRA]

Made Inside: License Plates, and the Meaning of Work Behind Bars

Every California license plate has a story most of us never think about. In this episode of Prison to Purpose, we step inside Folsom State Prison to explore the history of California's license plate production and the incarcerated people who make them through job training programs provided by the California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority (CALCTRA). We explore the daily realities of incarcerated workers and the lasting impact this work has after release. The story goes beyond steel and numbers to reveal the people behind the process. Watch and listen to new episodes of Prison to Purpose: Building Futures Behind Bars every other Tuesday and follow us on social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CALCTRA/ [https://www.facebook.com/CALCTRA/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calctra/ [https://www.instagram.com/calctra/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CALCTRA [https://www.youtube.com/@CALCTRA]

A Clearer Vision: Robert Castaneda’s Journey Through CALCTRA’s Optical Program

In this episode, we shine a light on CALCTRA's Optical Program—an initiative that trains incarcerated individuals in prescription eyewear manufacturing—and the remarkable journey of Robert Castaneda. Once incarcerated, Robert found purpose and a new path through the program, gaining skills that helped him build a successful career as an Optician after release. Tune in to hear how vision, both literal and personal, can lead to transformation and second chances. Watch and listen to new episodes of Prison to Purpose: Building Futures Behind Bars every other Tuesday and follow us on social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CALCTRA/ [https://www.facebook.com/CALCTRA/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calctra/ [https://www.instagram.com/calctra/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CALCTRA [https://www.youtube.com/@CALCTRA] For resources related to today's episode, check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8DkybBxDj0 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8DkybBxDj0] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHKNcaJ21Cc [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHKNcaJ21Cc] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kbv2YTmEJUo [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kbv2YTmEJUo]

Beneath the Surface: From Incarceration to Commercial Diving Part 2

In Part 2 of this Prison to Purpose episode, we continue the conversation about the nationally recognized Commercial Dive program inside prison. Hear from Dave Calvert, a formerly incarcerated commercial diver who now works as an assistant dive instructor with the California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority. Dave shares his journey at the California Institution for Men in Chino and how the skills, discipline, and trust learned underwater helped reshape his future. He reflects on the responsibility of teaching others who are walking the same path he once did. This episode highlights the power of lived experience, second chances, and purpose passed forward. Watch and listen to new episodes of Prison to Purpose: Building Futures Behind Bars every other Tuesday and follow us on social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CALCTRA/ [https://www.facebook.com/CALCTRA/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calctra/ [https://www.instagram.com/calctra/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CALCTRA [https://www.youtube.com/@CALCTRA] For resources related to today's episode, check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H28gjP1a_kg&t=37s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H28gjP1a_kg&t=37s] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMd0EURSi0 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMd0EURSi0] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glfX4o5s4Yo&t=21s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glfX4o5s4Yo&t=21s] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puMpZXAwXqc [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puMpZXAwXqc]

Beneath the Surface: From Incarceration to Commercial Diving

In this episode of Prison to Purpose, we dive into CALCTRA's Commercial Dive Program at the 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. Hear the amazing story behind Kenyatta Kalisana who once was incarcerated and is now the dive instructor. He shares his journey from prison to profession after completing the very program he now helps teach. This conversation explores what's possible when real skills, second chances, and purpose meet beneath the surface. Watch and listen to new episodes of Prison to Purpose: Building Futures Behind Bars every other Tuesday and follow us on social media. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CALCTRA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calctra/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CALCTRA For resources related to today's episode, check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H28gjP1a_kg&t=37s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMd0EURSi0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glfX4o5s4Yo&t=21s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puMpZXAwXqc