Cal State LA celebrates first graduating class of incarcerated women

By KABC News Staff
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LOS ANGELES (KABC) — The California Institution for Women held its first graduation ceremony Friday for Cal State LA’s Prison Graduation Initiative.
Nearly two dozen women earned their Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, with an option in Interdisciplinary Studies in Culture and Society. This was the first cohort of incarcerated women to graduate from Cal State LA.
“It’s a reminder that I’m still supported and that they are still very present in my life, which I am beyond grateful for because not everybody has that, and I’m aware of that,” said one of the graduates who spoke with Eyewitness News after walking the stage. “Just to be able to celebrate will hopefully encourage them just to pursue whatever path they’re on and be an inspiration in that way.”
The keynote address was delivered by sports icon and Cal State LA alumna Billie Jean King.
“Higher education is key to the transformation and growth that we see today from many of the students graduating,” read a statement from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office. “I’m proud to see them taking a step in the right direction to contribute positively to our society.”
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