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

CWI Celebrates New Micron Training Center and Welcomes Sixth Apprenticeship Cohort

CWI and Micron celebrated a major workforce milestone with the opening of Micron’s Boise Training Center and the launch of its largest local apprentice cohort.

Arial view of the Agricultural Science Complex

Agricultural Sciences Complex Continues to Grow

CWI’s Agricultural Sciences Complex brings learning to life through hands-on projects across Agricultural Sciences Programs.

Group of people cut ribbon to new building

CWI Celebrates Grand Opening of CapEd Student Success Center

The College's new Nampa Campus CapEd Student Success Center puts academic resources, student services, and spaces to connect all in one place.

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.

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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.

Brown Builds a Future in Anthropology

Kellan Brown came to CWI with questions about people and the human experience. Through anthropology, he’s discovering where those questions can take him.

Student Success

Autumn Harvey wearing her medal in front of a car

Harvey Builds a Gold Medal Career

From the classroom to the national stage, CWI graduate, Autumn Harvey, turned technical skill and determination into gold and a career.

Student Success

Getting Back Up

Refusing to give up, Alex Nava overcame extraordinary challenges to earn his degree and start a new chapter in accounting.

Student Success

2027 Emerging Scholars

Nominated by faculty, students were selected based on their commitment to learning, perseverance, innovative thinking, leadership, and professionalism in and outside of the classroom.

Student Success

Autumn Harvey celebrating her win — Courtesy: SkillsUSA

CWI Students Earn National Recognition at 2026 SkillsUSA Championships

Competing against some of the nation's top career and technical education students, CWI earned national recognition with two medal-winning entries.

Student Success

Montoya Finds His Place in the Fire Service

Firefighters often talk about trust. For Khye Montoya, that feeling of trust was familiar long before he stepped onto a fire engine.

Student Success

Marquez Arredondo poses in front of firefighter gear

Arredondo Answers the Call

Marquez Arredondo turned a life-changing experience into a career dedicated to helping others through CWI's Fire Service Technology program.

Student Success

Fire student at a fire truck with a hose

Reigniting a Passion

After stepping away from firefighting, Hunter Stephenson rediscovered his passion for the profession and found his way back through CWI.

Student Success

Rookie Tournament Gives Students a Chance to Put Skills Into Action

Students put classroom skills into action at the Spring 2026 Rookie Speech and Debate Tournament, reviving a beloved tradition.

Student Success

Confetti falls on the crowd at commencement

More than 1,800 Honored at 17th Commencement

The event marked the largest graduating class in school history and the College’s first commencement ceremony held at the Ford Idaho Center on CWI’s Nampa Campus.

Student Success

Campus Life

Agricultural Sciences Complex Continues to Grow

CWI’s Agricultural Sciences Complex brings learning to life through hands-on projects across Agricultural Sciences Programs.

Campus Life

Fall 2026 Job & Career Fair

Meet with employers from across the Treasure Valley who are ready to put your skills to work! Whether you are seeking part-time work, a full-time position, or career advice, this event is...

Campus Life

Fall 2026 Club Fest

Club Fest is the gateway to discovering active Student Clubs, learning about upcoming initiatives, and finding out how to join groups that align with your interests.

Campus Life

Work Based Learning Center employee chatting with student at table

Work-Based Learning Center Connects Education to Opportunity

The Work-Based Learning Center connects students, faculty, and employers to create real-world experiences that prepare students for successful careers.

Campus Life

President Gordon Jones speaking behind podium

2026 Fall Address

CWI faculty and staff came together to celebrate the College’s momentum, reflect on its impact, and look ahead to another year of serving the Treasure Valley.

Campus Life

Two students sit on the Learning steps at the Student Success Center

A New Hub for Academic Support: Learning Commons

By bringing together the Library, Tutoring Services, and the Writing and AI Literacy Center, the Learning Commons gives students one place to find academic support.

Campus Life

Lobby of Nampa Campus Academic Building filled with students

Fall 2026 Student Resource Fair

Discover and learn about resources, services, and opportunities on and off campus at the College's Student Resource Fair.

Campus Life

Ready, Set, Thrive!

Get ready for Fall 2026 at CWI! Join us for Ready, Set, Thrive! on Aug. 14 to find classrooms, get organized, and start strong across CWI campuses.

Campus Life

Three students stand near railing and laughing

Welcome to Fall 2026, Otters!

Week of Welcome is a campuswide initiative designed to support students during their first week of classes and help them start the semester strong.

Campus Life

Save the Date for CWI Week

The weeklong celebration will recognize the people, programs, and partnerships that strengthen the College and the communities it serves.

Campus Life

Students Explore Technology Careers at CWI Tech Quest Summer Camp

Designed for elementary through high school students, the camp introduced participants to technology, networking, and cybersecurity through hands-on learning experiences.

Campus Life

Student Leaders, Clubs Recognized at 2026 Awards Banquet

CWI honored student leaders, clubs, and advisors at the annual Student Leadership Awards Banquet, celebrating leadership, service, and campus impact.

Campus Life

Announcements

Garman Named Athletics Operations Coordinator

College of Western Idaho is pleased to announce the appointment of Brooke Garman as Athletics Operations Coordinator.

Announcements

CWI Celebrates New Micron Training Center and Welcomes Sixth Apprenticeship Cohort

CWI and Micron celebrated a major workforce milestone with the opening of Micron’s Boise Training Center and the launch of its largest local apprentice cohort.

Announcements

CWI Celebrates Grand Opening of CapEd Student Success Center

The College's new Nampa Campus CapEd Student Success Center puts academic resources, student services, and spaces to connect all in one place.

Announcements

Exterior view of Nampa Campus Quad including the CapEd Student Success Center and Academic Building

CWI Invites Community to Help Shape Nampa Campus

CWI invites the community to help shape the future of its Nampa Campus during two Master Plan open houses Tuesday, Aug. 25.

Announcements

Instructor and student work on HVAC unit in lab

Fall 2026 Apprenticeship Open House

Join us to explore in-demand careers and training available through Workforce Development's Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing Apprenticeship programs.

Announcements

Learning steps inside Nampa Campus CapEd Student Success Center

Celebrate the Grand Opening of the Nampa Campus CapEd Student Success Center

The building brings academic resources, student support services, and welcoming spaces together in one convenient location.

Announcements

CWI Bookstore Moving Sale

The Bookstore is getting ready to move, and that means big savings for students, employees, and the community!

Announcements

Outside of the Nampa Campus CapEd Student Success Building

Student Services Begin Transition to Nampa Campus Cap Ed Student Success Center

The Nampa Campus Cap Ed Student Success Center will begin serving students June 29, with several departments and services opening in phases as they relocate to the new facility.

Announcements

CWI Partners in National Effort to Strengthen Semiconductor Workforce Pipeline

CWI has joined a regional effort to strengthen semiconductor workforce development across the Pacific Intermountain region, expanding opportunities for students and workers to enter one of...

Announcements

College of Western Idaho Announces Inaugural Athletic Director

CWI has named Mahmood Sheikh as the inaugural Director of Athletics. In this new role, he will lead the launch of intramural and intercollegiate athletics at the College.

Announcements

CWI Services Temporarily Relocate for Summer

As campus improvements continue and a new building opens, several services at the Nampa Campus have temporarily relocated for the summer.

Announcements

2026 Commencement Preview

Congratulations Class of 2026! We are excited to celebrate your success during commencement on Tuesday, May 19, at Ford Idaho Center in Nampa.

Announcements

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

Group of people standing in greenhouse listening to tour guide

Farm Tour Connects Students with Local Agriculture

Agricultural Sciences students toured Treasure Valley farms and agribusinesses, gaining hands-on industry insight and local connections.

Community

Take the Next Step at Start Here Conference

Start Here Conference is designed to inspire entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders across the Treasure Valley.

Community

Horticulture Technology Partners with Nampa for Arbor Day Tree Planting

Students and faculty joined young volunteers at Liberty Park on April 24 to plant trees as part of the City of Nampa’s Arbor Day celebration.

Community

Five people stand in front of an American Flag

CWI Celebrates Apprenticeship Week

Governor Brad Little has declared April 26 – May 2 as Apprenticeship Week in Idaho, recognizing the important role registered apprenticeships play in building Idaho’s workforce and...

Community

Person in indigenous attire with colorful feathered headdress

CWI to Host Social PowWow Celebrating Native American Culture

CWI will host a Social PowWow on Friday, April 24, at the Nampa Campus Quad, featuring Native dancers, singers, a drum circle, and traditional foods. Free and open to all.

Community

Students on the side of road picking up trash

Law Enforcement Students Lead Highway Cleanup

Students in Law Enforcement program bundled up and headed out for their 10th annual Adopt-A-Highway community service project on Feb. 10.

Community

CWI Faculty & Students Take Center Stage at Treefort 2026

CWI shines at Treefort 2026 with student readings, faculty-led art, and hands-on tech demos, showcasing the College community’s creativity, innovation, and public engagement.

Community

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

Group of people with bear mascot holding two checks

CWI Nights Raises Thousands for Student Scholarships

CWI wrapped up another successful season of CWI Nights with the Idaho Steelheads, supporting local hockey and student success!

Giving & Scholarships

Impactful Connections Luncheon Highlights the Power of Scholarships

The luncheon gave donors an opportunity to meet the students whose education they help make possible. Students, in turn, were able to personally thank those who have invested in their...

Giving & Scholarships

CWI Giving Day attendees with signs expressing thanks

CWI Giving Day Raises Nearly 44K to Support Students

Community members and supporters rallied during the fourth annual CWI Giving Day to raise $43,870 to strengthen student success.

Giving & Scholarships

Fourth Annual Giving Day Returns April 7 to Support Student Success

The College's fourth annual Giving Day on April 7 unites the community to support scholarships and programs that empower over 34,000 students.

Giving & Scholarships

Group of people stand in Machine Tool lab

Nagel Foundation Continues Transformational Support for CWI Students

Nagel Foundation awarded $234,500 in scholarships, helping CWI students in high-demand technical programs pursue careers and build brighter futures.

Giving & Scholarships

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

Accomplishing a Lifelong Dream Thanks to CWI

College of Western Idaho Drafting Technology program graduate, Chris Sinsel, is making a name for himself in the landscaping technology world.

Alumni

Fostering Change

Speak Up! Ink Up!, a charity event hosted by 2022 College of Western Idaho graduate, Craig Petersen, raises nearly $11,500 for Idaho foster children.

Alumni

Andy Sifford is in the CWI Plumbing Apprenticeship Program preparing for the Journeyman’s test

Life-Changing Career Choice

Meet Andy Sifford, a student in his third year of College of Western Idaho’s Plumbing Apprenticeship Program.

Alumni

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