Prop 57 programs could bring early release to inmates serving time in state prisons

Inmates wait in the yard between classes at Solano State Prison.

Inmate Daniel Hopper leads his Offender Mentor Certification Program at Solano State Prison.

Daniel Hopper leads a class at Solano State Prison, where he became a substance abuse counselor through the Offender Mentor Certification Program.

An inmate in the Offender Mentor Certification Program at Solano State Prison listens during class.

Inmates in the Offender Mentor Certification Program at Solano State Prison raise their hands. Corrections officials said the growing emphasis on rehabilitation and helping offenders re-enter society has led to a prison culture shift.

Inmate Julio Santos reflects on his life and his future hopes with the Offender Mentor Certification Program at Solano State Prison.

Inmates exercise in the yard at Solano Stet Prison. Passage of Prop 57 is ushering in a massive overhaul of the prison parole system and with it programs like The Offender Mentor Certification Program at Solano State Prison in Vacaville that could help trim the time served by inmates.

Solano State Prison sits in the rolling hills near Vacaville.

Prisoners at San Quentin greet visitors arriving for graduation ceremonies for the Last Mile program.

Former inmate Chrisfino Kenyatta Leal, right, hugs an inmate in San Quentin after a graduation ceremony for the Last Mile program, where he is currently serving on the board of directors.

San Quentin inmates demonstrate their coding skills on graduation day in the Last Mile classroom.

San Quentin inmates work on their coding skills in the Last Mile classroom at the prison.

Former San Quentin inmate Chrisfino Kenyatta Leal receives applause prior to his keynote speech during a graduation ceremony in the Last Mile program, where inmates learn coding and other computer skills.

San Quentin Prison inmate Cordiare McDonald proudly holds his diploma during graduation ceremonies in the Last Mile program.