GRIP Training Institute, a 501(c)(3) serving incarcerated people in the state of CA. Our mission is to create the personal and systemic change to turn violence and suffering into opportunities for learning and healing.

One of the most exciting times of the year is graduation season. In the coming month, 7 GRIP tribes will hold their graduations, as a culmination of all the incredible work our students put into their journey of transformation. That’s over 200 GRIP students and peacemakers. Graduation is not only a commemoration of students' hard work, but it also marks a rite of passage where participants pledge to become Peacemakers in front of their families, friends, loved ones, and the greater community as witnesses.

Would you consider making a tax-deductible donation of $100, $250, or even $500?

Your gift today will have an immediate impact and support the things that make a graduation ceremony meaningful caps and gowns for graduates, food and drink for graduates and their families, flowers and decorations so the prison hall feels festive and bright, honor cords and certificates for graduates.

The GRIP program has been developed over 25 years of direct work with thousands of incarcerated people, mostly people with violent offenses, and their victims/survivors. The program started at San Quentin State Prison and has grown to include Avenal State Prison, Mule Creek State Prison, Correctional Training Facility, California Medical Facility, California Correctional Women's Facility and Substance Abuse Training Faciliity. It offers an in-depth journey where the participants are able to understand and transform their violent behavior and replace it with an attitude of mindfulness and emotional intelligence.

GRIP Peacemakers Graduations 2024

GRIP Training Institute

Team Members