Helping individuals rebuild their lives after incarceration is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen families and communities, reducing repeat offenses, increasing employment, and promoting healthier futures. The recent Placer Reentry Program graduation ceremony, held April 24 at the Auburn Health and Human Services Center, celebrated the successes of individuals who leveraged the support to make the challenging transition back into their communities.
Placer Reentry Program (PREP) is one of the Reentry Programs operated by the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) with partners in six counties to serve those navigating the criminal justice system. PREP has three sites (Auburn, Roseville, and Tahoe Vista) and also offers services for youth on probation.
This year’s graduation ceremony was particularly meaningful because it marked the 10th anniversary of the PREP program—a partnership between the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE), the Placer County Probation Department, the Placer County Sheriff’s Department, Placer County Health and Human Services, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). “This success is made possible through an outstanding collaboration with our partners,” said Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon.
Friends, family members, probation officers, and community partners gathered to celebrate not just academic and vocational achievements, but real-life transformations. Congressman Kevin Kiley (R-CA) joined Sacramento County Board of Education Trustees Paul A. Keefer, MBA, Ed.D., and Vanessa D. Caigoy, MBA, in congratulating the graduates.
Two graduates described their journeys. Luis Meza, once facing a 17-to-life sentence, turned his life around thanks to the vocational training and cultural support he received. He now proudly holds union trade certifications and a Class A driver’s license. Zouhir Aboulathar also inspired the audience with his story about overcoming self-doubt, explaining that he has a renewed sense of purpose and direction.
PREP Project Specialist Victoria Rochester reminded the audience that these successes aren’t just personal—they represent stronger communities, restored families, and the power of second chances. Since launching its first adult reentry program in 2007, SCOE has expanded the initiative to six counties, helping thousands of individuals across the region make lasting changes in their lives.