OtterBound
OtterBound is a dual credit program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) that gives Idaho high school students the opportunity to complete an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree by the time they graduate high school. With built-in support and a clear plan, OtterBound can help you stay on track, reach your goals, and confidently take your next steps after graduation.
Benefits
Personalized Support
Receive dedicated advising, structured planning, and built-in check-ins to help you stay on track. Our team will be there to guide you every step of the way so you can focus on learning, growing, and achieving your goals.
First Pick of Classes
As an OtterBound student, you can register early for classes at CWI, giving you the best chance to build the perfect schedule around your high school and extracurricular commitments.
A Step Ahead
Save thousands of dollars and years of time by completing an associate degree by high school graduation.
Eligibility
Students interested in participating in OtterBound must:
- Be a high school student in Idaho.
- Have completed at least one CWI class through your high school, IDLA, or in-person or online at CWI.
- Have a cumulative high school and CWI GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Know which major or degree you would like to pursue.
Haven't registered for a CWI dual credit class yet? Take your first step by scheduling an advising appointment to explore class options.
- Talon Smith (last names A – I)
- Jake Drexler (last names J – R)
- Jessica Concie (last names S – Z)
Ready to apply? Attend an OtterBound Orientation to get started.
Application Period
Sept. 1 – May 1
- Applications are accepted during a student's freshman to sophomore year of high school.
- Application deadline: End of sophomore year (May 1)
- Students who have completed their sophomore year may qualify for exceptions to the deadline. Contact your advisor for details.
Steps to Apply
The OtterBound application process starts with understanding the program and getting your questions answered as you prepare to complete the application.
After you have completed or registered for a CWI class, your first step is to schedule and attend OtterBound Orientation online, via Zoom. Haven't registered for a CWI dual credit class yet? Schedule an advising appointment.
During orientation, you will learn:
- What OtterBound is, what to expect, and how to apply.
- Degree options, costs, and funding opportunities.
- Answers to common questions.
What You Will Need
- A working web camera — you must have your camera on during orientation to participate.
- An idea of which CWI majors you are interested in.
- Any questions you may have.
Recommended to have available
The following documents are not required to attend orientation, but we recommend having them available for your own reference and for the OtterBound application process if you decide to move forward. Please do not send these documents to the Dual Credit office before orientation.
- A copy of your high school transcript.
- A copy of your unofficial college transcript(s) from any college where you have taken classes or earned credit.
After attending OtterBound orientation, you will receive an email from CWI Dual Credit with access to the OtterBound application.
If you have attended a session but did not receive an email, please contact us.
Once your application has been submitted, it will be reviewed by an advising committee.
- If you qualify and have room in your schedule, our team will create a semester-by-semester degree plan for you within 2 – 4 weeks.
- When your plan is ready, it will be emailed to you and your high school counselor for review.
- If adjustments are needed — such as adding, removing, or changing classes — we will update the plan together.
- Once everyone agrees to the plan and path forward, you, your parent or guardian, and your high school counselor will each sign a commitment form to officially confirm your spot in the OtterBound program.
To stay in OtterBound, you must:
- Meet with your CWI OtterBound advisor at least once a year to review your progress and plan next steps.
- Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA to stay in good academic standing.
- Meet with a Work-Based Learning Center team member for direction and assistance with career exploration and next steps.
- Complete a graduation review with your OtterBound advisor during your senior year to make sure you are ready to finish strong.
Graduation Requirements
The following must be completed by students in OtterBound program during their senior year of high school during the indicated months in order to graduate from CWI.
Apply to CWI
- Complete the CWI admission application.
- Select summer for your intended start term.
Submit In-Progress High School Transcript
Ask your high school to email your official high school transcript to onestop@cwi.edu.
Complete Assessments
- Create or log in to your Next Steps Idaho account, if needed.
- Complete the following assessments:
- Future Finder
- Learning Styles
- Career Clusters
- Work Values
Explore Career Options
CWI's Work-Based Learning Center can help you explore career options, build employment skills, and gain real-world experience through internships, job shadowing, and more.
- Get started by signing in to Handshake as a student.
- Select Continue to CWI SSO, and sign in with your CWI email address and password.
- Complete your profile.
- From your profile, select Career Center, Appointments, Schedule a New Appointment, Dual Credit, then Career Exploration to request an appointment.
- When asked what you would like to discuss, indicate your are an OtterBound student completing a program requirement and would like to complete career assessments and review results.
Apply for Graduation
Graduation is receiving a degree or certificate from CWI.
- A student graduates by:
- Completing all degree or certificate requirements.
- Completing a graduation application.
- Select Summer 2027 as your anticipated graduation term.
RSVP for Commencement
Commencement is the graduation ceremony and a celebration of your accomplishments.
- Once you have applied for graduation, you will be sent a link via your CWI email to RSVP to attend commencement.
- Be sure to continue to checking your email for information and updates.
Submit Final High School Transcript
Ask your high school to email your official high school transcript to onestop@cwi.edu, showing you have officially graduated from high school.
Submit Official College Transcript(s)
Order official transcripts from college(s) where you earned credit and request they are sent directly from the college to CWI.
- Transcripts may be submitted via email to onestop@cwi.edu.
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Transcripts may be submitted via mail to:
COLLEGE OF WESTERN IDAHO
ATTN ONE STOP STUDENT SERVICES
MS 3000
5500 E OPPORTUNITY DR
NAMPA, ID 83687
Order Official Transcripts
Boise State University
College of Eastern Idaho
College of Southern Idaho
Idaho State University
Lewis-Clark State College
Northwest Nazarene University
University of Idaho
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