Newsroom

Stay informed on everything happening at College of Western Idaho — from inspiring student success stories and campus events to community activities and the latest campus developments.

Featured

Ben Holladay stands in front of bookcase

Navy Veteran Builds Business Skills to Help Others

Navy veteran, Ben Holladay, is building business skills at CWI to combine his passion for helping others with his goal of opening a counseling practice.

A person standing beside a wooden model structure.

In the Spotlight: Pacheco Pays it Forward

With support from College of Western Idaho, Fabian Pacheco turned his passion for drafting into a career. Now, he gives back by helping high school students explore technical education and career opportunities.

CWI Raises More Than $33 Million in Powering the Treasure Valley Campaign

CWI completes its first comprehensive fundraising campaign, raising more than $33 million to support student scholarships, campus facilities and educational opportunities.

Bailey Guthrie sits at desk with equipment

Building a Future She is Proud Of

After finding her path at CWI, Bailey Guthrie turned hands-on learning and a Micron apprenticeship into a rewarding career and new opportunities.

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Student Success

CWI Digital Photography student Holly Miller learns about the technical camera from professional architectural photographer Tobin Rogers during a photo shoot. — Photo by Annie Jo Thompson

Digital Photography Students Gain Behind-the-Scenes Experience on Professional Photo Shoot

Five Digital Photography students gained hands-on experience alongside a professional architectural photographer during a photo shoot at the new Nampa Student Success Center.

Student Success

Navy Veteran Builds Business Skills to Help Others

Navy veteran, Ben Holladay, is building business skills at CWI to combine his passion for helping others with his goal of opening a counseling practice.

Student Success

Nine people stand together while holding a sign that says Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy Assistant Students Win at State Conference

Occupational Therapy Assistant students earned top honors at the IOTA conference, winning a clinical knowledge competition and receiving a leadership scholarship.

Student Success

Stonecrop Gives CWI Students Hands-On Publishing Experience

CWI students gain hands-on experience in writing, editing, design, and publishing through Stonecrop, a student-led literary magazine featuring creative work from around the world.

Student Success

Roxana holding a certificate with three faculty standing beside her

Adult Education to Expand Opportunities with New Boise Location

Beginning Fall 2027, CWI will expand Adult Education services at Boise Micron Academic Center, creating more opportunities for adult learners.

Student Success

Speech & Debate Kicks Off 2026 Season at Fran Tanner Open

College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Speech and Debate team launched the 2026-2027 season at the Fran Tanner Open, held Sept. 25 and 26 at College of Southern Idaho. The tournament welcomed...

Student Success

Person stands in front of tree and grass with arms crossed

Retherford Discovers Possibilities Through Geosciences

A summer internship at the Stibnite Gold Project gave CWI Geosciences student Kyah Retherford hands-on experience and a closer look at careers in mining and geoscience.

Student Success

Student Interns Spend Summer at Stibnite Gold Project

Geosciences and Mining Technician students spent the summer gaining hands-on experience at Perpetua Resources while connecting classroom learning to careers in mining.

Student Success

Faculty and students interact with one another

New Apprentices Begin Skilled Trades Training at CWI

This Fall 2026 semester, approximately 450 new apprenticeship students began their first year in CWI's Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC Apprenticeship programs.

Student Success

Madison Miller stands in front of stairs leading to building

Miller Takes Criminal Justice Lessons Beyond the Classroom

An internship with Idaho State Police gave Madison Miller firsthand experience — and a clearer picture of where a criminal justice career could take her.

Student Success

Partnerships Expand Certified Nursing Assistant Training Opportunities in Valley County

Access to healthcare education is growing in Valley County thanks to new partnerships between CWI, McCall Rehabilitation and Care Center, and McCall-Donnelly High School.

Student Success

Studio Art students at the Nampa Festival of Arts

CWI Studio Art Celebrates Local Arts

Studio Art students and faculty judged the Juried Arts Competition at the 39th Annual Nampa Festival of the Arts, Aug. 8 and 9.

Student Success

Campus Life

Six people stand behind table and box with bags

Phi Theta Kappa Students Support Campus Food Pantries

Phi Theta Kappa students came together to support their campus community, assembling more than 220 bags of food and hygiene supplies for student food pantries.

Campus Life

CWI Anthropology Shines in October

CWI Anthropology students connected with Tribal leaders and archaeologists through events celebrating Indigenous culture, archaeological research, and community partnerships.

Campus Life

Inaugural CWI Week Brings College Community Together

The College celebrated its inaugural CWI Week with career exploration, activities, community partnerships, and events bringing the community together.

Campus Life

Group of soccer players on a field with a sandwich board sign

Overtime FC Claims First Otter Cup Soccer Championship

CWI students celebrated the first Otter Cup Soccer Championship with a thrilling double-overtime match and penalty shootout to crown the winners.

Campus Life

American flags placed around lawn in front of CWI building

CWI Honors Veterans with Week of Events and Activities

Activities throughout the week include a Veteran Career Fair, campus recognition displays, and opportunities to come together.

Campus Life

Visiting Artist Series Welcomes Emma Hood

Explore photography and collage with Boise artist Emma Hood during a free lecture and hands-on workshop at CWI.

Campus Life

Celebrate Día de los Muertos at CWI

Join CWI for a Día de los Muertos celebration featuring a workshop, crafts, traditional food and a community altar honoring loved ones.

Campus Life

Micron Day Brings Hundreds to CWI to Explore High-Tech Career Opportunities

800 attendees gathered at CWI for Micron Day, exploring high-tech careers, connecting with industry partners, and discovering pathways into Idaho’s growing workforce.

Campus Life

Join CWI Athletics for a Turkey Trot

Students, faculty, staff, families, and community members are invited to join CWI's Turkey Trot on Friday, Nov. 13.

Campus Life

Student stands on hocky rink holding up large check with people surrounding them

CWI Nights Return for a New Season of Idaho Steelheads Hockey

CWI Nights return for the 2026-2027 Idaho Steelheads season, bringing hockey, school spirit, and opportunities to SCORE big while supporting student scholarships.

Campus Life

Visiting Artist Series Welcomes Jay Smith

Join CWI's Visiting Artist Series Oct. 29 – 30 as Boise-based artist Jay Smith shares his expertise in sign painting, murals, and brush lettering through a lecture and workshop.

Campus Life

Celebrate First-Generation Students at CWI

CWI will celebrate first-generation students Nov. 12 with lunch and a panel discussion, plus a weeklong scavenger hunt Nov. 9 – 13 featuring prizes and scholarships.

Campus Life

Announcements

Support the Annual Giving Tree

Help spread holiday cheer through the annual Giving Tree! Donate toys or make a monetary contribution to support children in foster care across the Treasure Valley.

Announcements

Two people using computers and devices at a table

CWI Instrumental in Leading the Future of Open Educational Resources

CWI faculty showcased innovative approaches to open educational resources at the Opening Pathways Summit, highlighting efforts to reduce textbook costs and expand student access.

Announcements

Seven people stand together in front of lockers

CLEP Celebrates 10 Years and So Much More

CWI celebrates 10 years of CLEP testing, helping students turn knowledge into college credit, save money, and explore opportunities for higher education.

Announcements

Front exterior of Norco Health and Science Building

Norco Health and Science Building Recognized as Idaho's Top Projects

Nampa Campus Norco Health and Science Building has earned first place in Idaho Business Review's 2026 Top Projects awards.

Announcements

Person sits with computer on lap, with others behind them

Get ready for an exciting Spring 2027 semester at CWI!

Announcements

Students looking at rocks with equipment

Geosciences and Mining Technician Programs Connect Classroom Learning to Career Opportunities

Explore how CWI’s Geosciences and Mining Technician programs combine hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and real-world experience to prepare students for career opportunities.

Announcements

Several awards sit on top of a black table cloth

Nominations Open for 2027 Student Leadership Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2027 Student Leadership Awards, recognizing students, clubs, programs, and advisors for their contributions to campus and the community.

Announcements

Enter the 2027 Connections Conference Logo Contest

CWI students are invited to design the 2027 Connections Conference logo! Submit entries by Nov. 20 for a chance to win $300.

Announcements

Discover Healthcare Careers

Health Science students can explore healthcare programs, meet local employers, and learn about transfer opportunities during Healthcare Discovery Night on Oct. 5

Announcements

Rows of people sit in front of tables, while watching speaker

Farm to Fork is Back!

Hosted by Agricultural Sciences department, the event will feature a five-course meal with produce grown in CWI’s Urban Market Garden and specialties from local partners.

Announcements

Idaho Archaeological Society Annual Conference Comes to CWI

CWI is co-sponsoring this year’s conference, which will bring together members of Idaho’s archaeological community to share research, discuss developments in the field, and build...

Announcements

CWI Applies for Membership in National Junior College Athletic Association

The application is a formal step in CWI’s plans to establish an intercollegiate athletics program.

Announcements

Community

Picture of a tractor in front of a green backdrop — Courtesy: Shawna Donahue

CWI Photographers Capture a Changing Boise

Three photography alumni and a CWI instructor come together for a Boise exhibition featuring local photographers documenting the changing landscapes of Boise and Garden City.

Community

CWI Students Bring Creativity to Life at Illuminate 2026

CWI students, faculty, and alumni showcased their creativity at Illuminate 2026, bringing art installations to Garden City's vibrant arts community.

Community

Group of people stand together in front of large signed document in Capitol rotunda

CWI Celebrates Adult Education Students and Educators

CWI celebrates Adult Education students and educators while highlighting the skills, opportunities and achievements that help learners reach their goals.

Community

CWI Night at AC Boise

Over 100 tickets are on hold for the CWI community to enjoy a night of professional soccer and great company in the CWI section on Sept. 30.

Community

Students line up in front of fire trucks

CWI Public Safety Students Mark 25th Anniversary of 9/11

Fire Service Technology and Law Enforcement students joined first responders and community members to remember the lives lost and honor the heroes of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001.

Community

Get Ready for the First CWI Week

CWI Week brings five days of opportunities to explore programs, connect with employers and student groups, enjoy hands-on activities, and more.

Community

Workforce Development Turns Employer Needs Into Customized Workforce Training

Workforce Development created customized IV training for Eagle Oral Surgery, combining classroom learning with hands-on practice.

Community

Mentor talks to student in front of computer

Students Explore CTE Careers During Summer Bridge

From programming robotic cars to practicing healthcare skills, 29 high school juniors got a hands-on look at career possibilities during CWI’s 2026 Summer CTE Bridge Program.

Community

Instructor and students working on welding training

CWI, Mission Critical Group Partner to Expand Welding Workforce Training

CWI and Mission Critical Group partnered on a custom welding program, giving employees paid, hands-on training to strengthen skills and Idaho’s workforce.

Community

Celebrating Students at the Canyon County Fair

College of Western Idaho was on-site at the Canyon County Fair and awarded a $1,000 SCORE Big Scholarship to recent high school graduate, Olivia Sitton.

Community

Celebrate the Canyon County Fair with CWI

Fairgoers are invited to visit the CWI Show Ring on Friday, July 24, from 1-4 p.m. to enter for a chance to win a $1,000 CWI SCORE Big Scholarship and CWI swag.

Community

Attendees sit in audience watching panelists talk

Start Here Conference Inspires Entrepreneurs and Student Innovators

Entrepreneurs, students, business owners, and community members filled the Nampa Civic Center on June 9 for Entrepreneur Lab's Start Here Conference, an evening dedicated to inspiration...

Community

Giving & Scholarships

CWI Raises More Than $33 Million in Powering the Treasure Valley Campaign

CWI completes its first comprehensive fundraising campaign, raising more than $33 million to support student scholarships, campus facilities and educational opportunities.

Giving & Scholarships

Scholarship Support Helps Motresku Pursue Her Dream of Teaching

With support from three scholarships, CWI student Adriiela Motresku is pursuing her dream of becoming a teacher and helping students learning English.

Giving & Scholarships

Five people stand under a College of Western Idaho tent with a large check

CWI Night Brings CWI Community Together at AC Boise

The first CWI Night at AC Boise brought the community together for professional soccer while supporting student scholarships.

Giving & Scholarships

Five students stand together holding a large check

Ford Dealerships Invest in CWI Automotive Technology Students

Five CWI Automotive Technology students received $5,000 Ford Auto Tech Scholarships, helping support their education and preparation for careers in the automotive industry.

Giving & Scholarships

Patt Finds Her ‘Why’ at CWI

From employer to Foundation leader, Alison Patt shares why she believes CWI has the power to create ripple effects across the Treasure Valley.

Giving & Scholarships

Four people standing in front of CapEd Student Success Center windows

J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation Commits to Strengthening Idaho's Workforce

A renewed grant from the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation will help the College expand career training and strengthen Idaho's future workforce.

Giving & Scholarships

Aerial shot of Norco Health and Science Building

Norco, St. Luke's Invest in Idaho's Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals

New investments from community and industry partners strengthen healthcare education at College of Western Idaho and help meet Idaho's growing demand for healthcare professionals.

Giving & Scholarships

Group picture of CWI community with center person holding large check

Community Rallies for Student Success at CWI Night

CWI Night at the Hawks combined baseball and community impact, raising scholarship funds and awarding a $1,000 scholarship to a CWI student.

Giving & Scholarships

Students connect with resources and support services

Idaho Community Foundation Continues Support of CWI Student Emergency Fund

Idaho Community Foundation donated $13,500 to CWI's Student Emergency Fund, helping students overcome unexpected hardships and stay on track to graduate.

Giving & Scholarships

Two nursing students looking at material

Blue Cross of Idaho Invests in Health Care Future

Blue Cross of Idaho is supporting the next generation of health care professionals through an investment at the Nampa Campus Health and Science Building.

Giving & Scholarships

Outside of the Nampa Campus Agricultural Sciences Complex

Idaho Power & CWI Partnership Helps Grow the Future of Idaho Agriculture

Idaho Power and CWI continue to grow a strong partnership focused on preparing students for the future of Idaho’s agricultural industry.

Giving & Scholarships

Student holding large check in front of crowd

Step Up to the Plate for CWI Night at the Boise Hawks

Join CWI Night at the Boise Hawks on June 9 and enjoy a summer evening at the ballpark while supporting student scholarships.

Giving & Scholarships

Alumni

In the Spotlight: Pacheco Pays it Forward

With support from College of Western Idaho, Fabian Pacheco turned his passion for drafting into a career. Now, he gives back by helping high school students explore technical education and...

Alumni

Building a Future She is Proud Of

After finding her path at CWI, Bailey Guthrie turned hands-on learning and a Micron apprenticeship into a rewarding career and new opportunities.

Alumni

Veuger Changes Course to Firefighting

Ryan Veuger changed course from marketing to firefighting, gaining the skills and experience at CWI that helped prepare him for a career with Meridian Fire Department.

Alumni

Ismael Garcia stands in front of desk in a classroom

In the Spotlight: Building Something Bigger

As the first in his family to attend college, Ismael Garcia used his CWI education to launch a career, a business, and new possibilities for others.

Alumni

Student stands in front of billboard and next to shelving

Cabrera Builds Future Through CWI

Drafting Technology graduate, Audrey Cabrera, turned her passion for design into a successful drafting career and now inspires the next generation as a CWI instructor.

Alumni

Cody Phelps stands in front of backdrop and near stair railing

From Student to Faculty, Phelps Finds His Calling at CWI

Cody Phelps’ journey comes full circle as he returns to teach at CWI, the same place that helped launch his education and career.

Alumni

From CWI to Papua New Guinea: Landen Kelly’s Lens on the World

Landen Kelly discovered his passion for photography while studying at College of Western Idaho. Inspired by CWI’s faculty and now featured in international publications, Kelly’s journey...

Alumni

A student wearing nursing scrubs poses for a portrait in front of a brick building.

From a Childhood Calling to a Career in Nursing

In her own words, College of Western Idaho graduate Alejandra Whynman recounts how, after arriving in the U.S. alone at age 15 with only a fifth-grade education, she overcame incredible...

Alumni

An automotive painting instructor poses for a portrait in a painting lab.

Painted for Success: From CWI Student to Industry Leader

Jessica Crowly, CWI graduate and executive at one of the largest paint companies in the world, shares her story of success.

Alumni

Shaping Metal, Defying Odds: A CWI Graduate’s Path to Success

Reagan Heffelfinger’s journey to becoming a machinist at College of Western Idaho was shaped by resilience, overcoming health challenges and career detours to discover her passion for...

Alumni

CWI Business Alums Earn Top Honors

College of Western Idaho Business alumni, Annika Kempnich and Maranda Barnhart, were recently awarded top honors from Boise State University’s College of Business and Economics.

Alumni

CWI Alumnus Continues to Foster Change Around Community

Speak Up Ink Up is a community event that raises money for CASA and provides a voice for children in the foster system.

Alumni

Faculty & Staff

A group of individuals smiling for a team photograph.

Career Connections Spark Another National Win for CWI

College of Western Idaho’s Work-Based Learning Center continues to make an impact, earning the 2026 Handshake Career Spark Award for the second consecutive year.

Faculty & Staff

Dickinson Published in Teaching Introduction to Sociology

Sociology Professor, Charles Dickinson, shares his teaching strategies with educators nationwide in a newly published book chapter.

Faculty & Staff

Andy Jensen stands in front of staircase

Jensen Named Idaho GEM Innovative Educator of the Year

Congratulations to Associate Professor of Biology, Andy Jensen, who has been named Idaho's 2026 GEM Innovative Educator of the Year in Scientific Ways of Knowing.

Faculty & Staff

Person holding a certificate in front of staircase — Rebecca Henderson

Henderson Named Idaho Adult Education Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Adult Education Teacher, Rebecca Henderson, who was named Idaho Adult Education Teacher of the Year by the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education.

Faculty & Staff

Faculty stands beside a simulation in a mannequin in bed

Sciarrino Named September 2026 Faculty of Distinction

Congratulations to Nursing Assistant Professor, Joslyn Sciarrino, who has been named Faculty of Distinction for September 2026.

Faculty & Staff

Ryan Hanson standing outside of Student Success Center

Hanson Named 2026 Faculty of the Year

Congratulations to Bachelor of Applied Science – Business Administration Program Coordinator and Associate Professor, Ryan Hanson, who has been named 2026 Faculty of the Year.

Faculty & Staff

Amber Eubanks holding certificates and plaque

Eubanks Named 2026 Staff of the Year

Congratulations to Director of Student Retention and Engagement, Amber Eubanks, who has been named 2026 Staff of the Year.

Faculty & Staff

Group of people stand in front of blue screen

History Faculty Selected for National World War II Museum Seminar

Two CWI faculty members were selected for the National WWII Museum's Faculty Seminar, expanding their expertise to enrich student learning.

Faculty & Staff

Braase Named 2026 Idaho Women of the Year Honoree

Congratulations to Executive Director of Professional and Custom Training, Autumn Braase, who has been named one of Idaho Business Review's 2026 Women of the Year honorees.

Faculty & Staff

Group of CWI and Kazakhstan leaders in front of Academic Building

International Exchange Program Brings Kazakhstan Mining Leaders to CWI

Through a U.S. State Department exchange program, Kazakhstan mining leaders explored workforce development and mining education at CWI.

Faculty & Staff

Hanson Named May 2026 Faculty of Distinction

Congratulations to Bachelor of Applied Science - Business Administration Program Coordinator and Associate Professor, Ryan Hanson, who has been named Faculty of Distinction for May 2026.

Faculty & Staff

Michal Yadlin standing outside in a garden space

Yadlin Named April 2026 Faculty of Distinction

Congratulations to Assistant Professor of Humanities and Honors Program Coordinator, Michal Yadlin, who has been named Faculty of Distinction for April 2026.

Faculty & Staff

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Media Contact

Ashley Smith

Government & Community Relations Executive Director

208.562.3106

ashleysmith5@cwi.edu