English Language Learners | College of Western Idaho

Eligibility

ELL classes are FREE to adults 16 and older, not currently enrolled in public school. Because classes are considered a federal public benefit, they are only available to:

U.S. citizens
U.S. nationals
Non-citizens with a documented lawful immigration status

Prior to enrollment, students must provide documents verifying status. ELL will not keep copies of these documents. If you do not have documentation, our team can connect you with community programs that may help you obtain it or provide other support for your education.

CWI's ELL program does not meet F-1 Visa requirements for international students.

Adult Education Eligibility Flyer

Citizenship Categories	Documentation
U.S. Citizen (born in U.S. or naturalized)	U.S. Birth Certificate U.S. Passport Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570) Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561) Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) Tribal enrollment or membership card (federally recognized tribes) REAL ID-compliant Driver's License or State ID
U.S. Citizen (born in U.S. or naturalized)	U.S. Passport (with notation of U.S. National) Consular Report of Birth Abroad U.S. Birth Certificate (for American Samoa or Swains Island)
U.S. Citizen (born in U.S. or naturalized)	U.S. Passport (with notation of U.S. National) Consular Report of Birth Abroad U.S. Birth Certificate (for American Samoa or Swains Island)

Immigration Categories	Documentation
Refugee or asylee	I-94 with stamp “Refugee” (Section 207) or “Asylee” (Section 208) I-766 EAD card with code “A3” (Refugee) or “A5” (Asylee) Approval notice for asylum (Form I-797) Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571) USCIS letter confirming refugee/asylee status
Granted withholding of deportation or removal	I-94 or letter showing grant of withholding under INA § 241(b)(3) or CAT Immigration Judge's order granting withholding I-766 EAD with code “A10”
Granted humanitarian parole to stay in the U.S. for at least one year by immigration authorities (e.g., DHS or USCIS)	I-94 with “Parole” stamp and duration ≥ 1 year Parole Approval Notice (Form I-797) I-512L Advance Parole Document I-766 EAD with code “C11” CBP Parole stamp in passport (clearly showing entry type and duration)
Cuban or Haitian Entrant (under CHEP or similar status)	I-94 with “Cuban/Haitian Entrant” or similar designation USCIS or DHS letter referencing CHEP eligibility I-766 EAD with code “C08” or “A04” Immigration paperwork showing parole or pending asylum/removal
T Visa Holder (victim of trafficking)	Approval Notice for T Visa (Form I-797) T Visa stamp in passport I-766 EAD with code “A16” or “C25” ORR certification letter (for adult victims) or eligibility letter (for minors)
Resident under Compact of Free Association (e.g., Micronesia, Palau, Marshall Islands)	Passport from Micronesia or Marshall Islands
Resident under Compact of Free Association (e.g., Micronesia, Palau, Marshall Islands)	I-766 EAD USCIS Notice of Action (Form I-797) I-20 (for F-1 students) DS-2019 (for J-1 visitors) Foreign Passport with U.S. visa and entry stamps USCIS Case Status printout Other DHS or USCIS documentation

Information provided by the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education.

Boise ELL

Boise ELL is located at CWI's Ada County Center Mallard Building (AMAL) room 1121.

Visit ELL Classes in Boise to view class details.
To take classes at our Boise location, get started by scheduling an appointment.

Community Learning Center Hours

Monday – Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Schedule an Appointment with Boise ELL

ELL students in a classroom working with a teacher

Nampa

Nampa ELL is located at CWI's Canyon County Center.

Visit ELL Classes in Nampa to view class details.
To take classes at our Nampa location, get started by scheduling an appointment.

Community Learning Center Hours

Monday – Thursday: 9:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Schedule an Appointment with Nampa ELL

Additional Opportunities

Do you have a great idea for a small business or side hustle? Learn how to:

Start and run a business.
Write a business plan.
Use marketing, social media, and sales strategies.
Plan operations and management of your small business.
Develop finance and accounting skills.

Classes are free and held in Boise. View the flyer linked below for class details and steps to get started.

Build Your Business

Enhance your computer skills to become a more efficient and capable student or employee!

Beginner: Build a strong foundation with typing skills, professional email writing, internet safety, and an introduction to essential computer programs.

Intermediate: Take your skills further by improving typing and email proficiency, conducting effective online research, mastering word processing, creating presentations, and working with spreadsheets.

Advanced: Develop expertise in multimedia projects, file management, and cloud storage while refining your skills in presentations, spreadsheets, and word processing. Learn to leverage technology for problem-solving.

Free classes in Boise.
Classroom computers available for use during sessions.

Computer Skills Class

Practice English, and learn to use technology to make things, work with others, and organize your projects for school, work, or your own use.

Free classes held in Boise.
View the flyer linked below for class details.

Creative Technology

Are you interested in learning English and looking to work in healthcare? This free English for Careers in Healthcare class will cover healthcare careers and basic medical terminology and vocabulary while helping you improve your English communication and digital skills.

Classes held in Boise.
View the flyer linked below for class details and steps to get started.

English for Careers in Healthcare

Build your English skills while using everyday technology. This free class will cover speaking, reading, and writing in English while using tools like iPads, email, websites, and apps. It's designed to build digital confidence and communication skills at the same time — perfect for anyone who wants to feel more comfortable using English in a digital world.

Classes held in Boise.

Check back for spring class information.

Learn how to code! Join our free computer programming classes, and learn to code using the Swift programming language.

No prior experience needed.
Start with basics and grow your skills.
View the flyer linked below for class details.

App Development With Swift Classes

Learn about and prepare for CWI's Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology program. Pre-Mechatronics classes will cover key concepts, help you begin building your digital skill set, and prepare you for exciting career opportunities.