Inmates set goals of education
CALIPATRIA — At the completion of the first full year of in-yard college course instruction, Calipatria State Prison inmates here experienced pride and sense of self determination as they were recognized for successfully completing course work toward an Associate Degree in psychology.
More than 150 men in two different programs, here and Centinela State Prison, received certificates of recognition from Imperial Valley College. There are now more than 32 prisons offering face-to-face education. Victor Jamie, IVC superintendent/president, noted 92 percent passed the course in the fall and 88 percent passed in the spring.
“You are among the best and brightest of IVC students,” Jaime told inmates. “Congratulations on your success. We’re looking forward to you receiving your associates’ degree and perhaps your baccalaureate.”
The program aims to reduce the recidivism rate and offer marketable skills remarked Lennor Johnson, IVC dean of student services and special projects.
The students are engaged and faculty reports it is a wonderful service.
“Classes have an impact on inmates’ lives and their families,” said Johnson. “Inmates have told us their spouses and children have decided to go to college based on this experience.”
Directing remarks to inmates, Warden Warren Montgomery noted this program is a pathway to home. “For the first time in California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation history, recidivism is below 50 percent,” he said. “This program, dollar-for-dollar is the best program in prison. And I challenge you (inmates) to complete what you started.”
Brant Choate, Office of Correctional Education superintendent noted they are partnering with five or six prisons to implement bachelor degree programs and should include San Diego State University Imperial Valley. “If you have a life sentence a degree is important because you can become a peer mentor,” he said. “It’s more than a teacher’s assistant. You’ll be helping those in your own living unit.”
Jose Castro, Calipatria college coordinator noted the classes help inmates make better decisions to change their lives. “These men have shown me there is hope for them,” he said.
“These classes are no different from ones at IVC. Education transforms lives.”
Two outstanding students were honored with a student excellence award. Recognized from Alpha Yard was Arthur Bermudez who characterized the program as, amazing. “We see these opportunities as unlimited,” he said. “But more important we’re learning to break down barriers. Learn to get along here and outside. It’s a privilege to be accepted into this class.”
And from Bravo Yard, Ramiro Muñoz praised IVC and supporters who made the program possible. “We care about our education and what we can accomplish in the future,” he said. “We’re going to succeed and set the standard so people who follow us maintain the high bar we initiated.”
Martha Garcia, IVC vice president of student services noted there was no distinction between students as they all possessed a passion for learning.
Completing the course brought them a step closer to their degree, which will be a culmination for achievement for this institution. “We want these students to take away the power of education and help them grow,” she said.
“We hope this program leads them away from living as they have to a revitalized life.”