New name for CA Prison Industry Authority reflects mission of rehabilitation

The new year brings a new name for what was formerly known as the California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA). On Jan. 1, the new name for the agency became the California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority (CALCTRA). The name change comes as a result of the enactment of Senate Bill 157 and Senate Bill 857. The Prison Industry Board unanimously approved the name change and will now be known as the Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Board. According to the organization's officials, the name change underscores their commitment to provide job training, career preparation and rehabilitative opportunities to incarcerated people across the state. "This new name truly reflects the heart of our mission," said Jeff Macomber, chair of the Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Board and Secretary of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). "Many people hear 'Prison Industry' and don't realize the organization is centered on rehabilitation, skills training and creating real career pathways for incarcerated individuals. 'Correctional Training and Rehabilitation' better communicates the purpose and value of the work it does every day." Established in 1947 as the Correctional Industries Commission, the organization initially focused on agricultural and manufacturing work. In 1982, Senate Bill 1574 abolished the Commission and created the California Prison Industry Authority, an independent entity governed by an 11-member board, which remains in place today. Retired CALPIA Director Bill Davidson, who was instrumental in driving the name change, emphasized the significance of this transition. "This change isn't just cosmetic, it's a bold statement about who we are and what we stand for," Davidson said. "We are reaffirming our mission to prepare individuals for careers and successful reentry. The new name helps the public, employers and our partners instantly understand our commitment to rehabilitation and training." CALCTRA Acting Director Suzie Changus noted how the new name will also inspire confidence among the incarcerated population. "When incarcerated individuals understand they are part of an organization focused on their training and rehabilitation, it enhances their belief in their own success," Changus said. "A huge benefit for our participants is the breadth of occupations they can train in and the knowledge that real careers are waiting for them when they return home." Board member Kyle Patterson, a formerly incarcerated individual who now serves as regional manager for the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters, shared his personal perspective on the impact of CALPIA's programs. "I'm living proof that programs like this change lives," Patterson said. "CALCTRA gives people the tools to build a career before they leave prison – so when they return to their communities, they can succeed." The new name also helps strengthen CALCTRA's partnerships with employers statewide, many of whom offer jobs to program participants before they even leave prison. By emphasizing "training" and "rehabilitation," the agency hopes to attract additional partners who share its vision for second chances. The organization also plans to introduce a new logo symbolizing an individual's successful transition from incarceration to community reintegration. CALCTRA provides job skills training to 5,800 individuals in CDCR institutions, offering industry-recognized certifications that reduce recidivism and promote public safety. A University of California, Irvine study found that CALCTRA participants have a 15-percent return-to-custody rate after three years, meaning 85 percent do not return to prison. "This name change better represents the future the organization is building," Davidson added. "CALCTRA will continue turning training into transformation, empowering incarcerated individuals to build successful futures."