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.

Student Success

Stonecrop 2026

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.

Read more about Stonecrop Gives CWI Students Hands-On Publishing Experience
Roxana holding a certificate with three faculty standing beside her

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

Read more about Adult Education to Expand Opportunities with New Boise Location
Students stand in front of CSI logo

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...

Read more about Speech & Debate Kicks Off 2026 Season at Fran Tanner Open
Person stands in front of tree and grass with arms crossed

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.

Read more about Retherford Discovers Possibilities Through Geosciences
Student looks at drill core

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

Read more about Student Interns Spend Summer at Stibnite Gold Project
Faculty and students interact with one another

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

Read more about New Apprentices Begin Skilled Trades Training at CWI
Madison Miller stands in front of stairs leading to building

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

Read more about Miller Takes Criminal Justice Lessons Beyond the Classroom
Three CNA students stand in lab

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.

Read more about Partnerships Expand Certified Nursing Assistant Training Opportunities in Valley County
Studio Art students at the Nampa Festival of Arts

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

Read more about CWI Studio Art Celebrates Local Arts
Kellan Brown leans against the wall

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

Read more about Brown Builds a Future in Anthropology
Autumn Harvey wearing her medal in front of a car

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

Read more about Harvey Builds a Gold Medal Career
Alex Nava on a staircase

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

Read more about Getting Back Up

Campus Life

I Voted stickers

The panel will give attendees an opportunity to hear from political science experts as the country prepares for the midterm elections.

Read more about Election Experts to Discuss Midterm Elections at CWI
College of Western Idaho Otters | Otter Head

Celebrate CWI Week and cheer on CWI students as they take the field for the Otter Cup Soccer Championship!

Read more about Cheer on CWI at the Otter Cup Soccer Championship
Three people dressed up in costumes

CWI students, employees and their families are invited to celebrate Halloween at ASCWI’s Trick or Treat on the Quad.

Read more about 2026 ASCWI Trick or Treat on the Quad
Five students with books and laptops

CWI celebrates National Tutor Appreciation Week by recognizing the tutors who support students across hundreds of subjects.

Read more about CWI Celebrates 2026 National Tutor Appreciation Week
One person sits, looking at notebook and another stands with notebook

Meet with representatives from Idaho’s four public universities at Transfer Together and get personalized help planning your next steps after CWI.

Read more about Plan Your Next Step at Transfer Together
Two players kicking a ball with two others in the back

CWI students can get active, meet new people, and join the new co-ed Intramural Soccer league beginning Oct. 1.

Read more about Find Your Team with CWI Intramural Soccer
Previous CWI logo on Nampa Campus Academic Building
Nampa Campus Academic Building captured in 2013

Panelists will share stories and reflections about CWI’s founding, early years, and growth.

Read more about Celebrating CWI History Through Stories and Archives
Student using a piece of equipment in lab classroom

Explore high-tech careers, meet employers, tour CWI labs, and discover education and training pathways during Micron Day Oct. 20.

Read more about Discover Your Path to a High-Tech Career at Micron Day
Workers assist a person lying beside a forklift as colleagues observe

Automotive and Collision Repair students gained hands-on emergency response experience through first aid training led by Law Enforcement.

Read more about Programs Team Up for Basic First Aid Training
Student works in the Urban Market Garden

Fresh produce grown by CWI Agriculture Sciences students is now available at the Food Pantry, helping students support students.

Read more about From the Garden to the Food Pantry
Arial view of the Agricultural Science Complex

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

Read more about Agricultural Sciences Complex Continues to Grow
Job and 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...

Read more about Fall 2026 Job & Career Fair

Announcements

Several awards sit on top of a black table cloth

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

Read more about Nominations Open for 2027 Student Leadership Awards
Connections Conference 2026 Logo (square)

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

Read more about Enter the 2027 Connections Conference Logo Contest
Surgical Technology students in the lab

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

Read more about Discover Healthcare Careers
Rows of people sit in front of tables, while watching speaker

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.

Read more about Farm to Fork is Back!
Hands pulling an object out of the dirt

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...

Read more about Idaho Archaeological Society Annual Conference Comes to CWI
Shirts, sweaters, cups on display at Bookstore

The Bookstore will move to its new home in the Nampa Campus CapEd Student Success Center. To prepare for the move, the Bookstore will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 8, through Wednesday, Sept...

Read more about Bookstore Moving to CapEd Student Success Center
Brooke Garman standing near Otter wall

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

Read more about Garman Named Athletics Operations Coordinator
CWI Sixth Cohort in CWI Classroom space

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.

Read more about CWI Celebrates New Micron Training Center and Welcomes Sixth Apprenticeship Cohort
Group of people cut ribbon to new building

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

Read more about CWI Celebrates Grand Opening of CapEd Student Success Center
Exterior view of Nampa Campus Quad including the CapEd Student Success Center and Academic Building

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

Read more about CWI Invites Community to Help Shape Nampa Campus
Instructor and student work on HVAC unit in lab

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

Read more about Fall 2026 Apprenticeship Open House

Community

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

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

Read more about CWI Celebrates Adult Education Students and Educators
AC Boise logo

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.

Read more about CWI Night at AC Boise
Students line up in front of fire trucks

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.

Read more about CWI Public Safety Students Mark 25th Anniversary of 9/11
CWI Week logo

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

Read more about Get Ready for the First CWI Week
Mentor talks to student in front of computer

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.

Read more about Students Explore CTE Careers During Summer Bridge
Instructor and students working on welding 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.

Read more about CWI, Mission Critical Group Partner to Expand Welding Workforce Training
Olivia Sitton Holding Scholarship Check

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.

Read more about Celebrating Students at the Canyon County Fair
Win Big at the Canyon County Fair

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.

Read more about Celebrate the Canyon County Fair with CWI
Attendees sit in audience watching panelists talk

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...

Read more about Start Here Conference Inspires Entrepreneurs and Student Innovators
Group of people standing in greenhouse listening to tour guide

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

Read more about Farm Tour Connects Students with Local Agriculture
Start Here Conference graphic

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

Read more about Take the Next Step at Start Here Conference

Giving & Scholarships

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

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

Read more about CWI Night Brings CWI Community Together at AC Boise
Five students stand together holding a large check

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

Read more about Ford Dealerships Invest in CWI Automotive Technology Students
Allison Patt stands in front of CWI

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

Read more about Patt Finds Her ‘Why’ at CWI
Aerial shot of Norco Health and Science Building

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.

Read more about Norco, St. Luke's Invest in Idaho's Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals
Group picture of CWI community with center person holding large check

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

Read more about Community Rallies for Student Success at CWI Night
Students connect with resources and support services

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

Read more about Idaho Community Foundation Continues Support of CWI Student Emergency Fund
Two nursing students looking at material

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

Read more about Blue Cross of Idaho Invests in Health Care Future
Outside of the Nampa Campus Agricultural Sciences Complex

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

Read more about Idaho Power & CWI Partnership Helps Grow the Future of Idaho Agriculture
Student holding large check in front of crowd

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

Read more about Step Up to the Plate for CWI Night at the Boise Hawks
Group of people with bear mascot holding two checks

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

Read more about CWI Nights Raises Thousands for Student Scholarships
Erin Aboud stands next to CWI banner

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...

Read more about Impactful Connections Luncheon Highlights the Power of Scholarships

Alumni

Ryan Veuger stands in front of fire truck with CWI fire academy logo

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.

Read more about Veuger Changes Course to Firefighting
Ismael Garcia stands in front of desk in a classroom

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.

Read more about In the Spotlight: Building Something Bigger
Student stands in front of billboard and next to shelving

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.

Read more about Cabrera Builds Future Through CWI
Cody Phelps stands in front of backdrop and near stair railing

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

Read more about From Student to Faculty, Phelps Finds His Calling at CWI
A photographer stands in a field.

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...

Read more about From CWI to Papua New Guinea: Landen Kelly’s Lens on the World
A student wearing nursing scrubs poses for a portrait in front of a brick building.

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...

Read more about From a Childhood Calling to a Career in Nursing
An automotive painting instructor poses for a portrait in a painting lab.

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

Read more about Painted for Success: From CWI Student to Industry Leader
A portrait of a student machinist.

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...

Read more about Shaping Metal, Defying Odds: A CWI Graduate’s Path to Success
Annika Kempnich, Maranda Barnhart

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.

Read more about CWI Business Alums Earn Top Honors
Craig Petersen

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

Read more about CWI Alumnus Continues to Foster Change Around Community
Chris Sinsel

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

Read more about Accomplishing a Lifelong Dream Thanks to CWI
2022 College of Western Idaho graduate, Craig Petersen

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.

Read more about Fostering Change

Faculty & Staff

Person holding a certificate in front of staircase
Rebecca Henderson

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.

Read more about Henderson Named Idaho Adult Education Teacher of the Year
Faculty stands beside a simulation in a mannequin in bed

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

Read more about Sciarrino Named September 2026 Faculty of Distinction
Ryan Hanson standing outside of Student Success Center

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

Read more about Hanson Named 2026 Faculty of the Year
Amber Eubanks holding certificates and plaque

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

Read more about Eubanks Named 2026 Staff of the Year
Group of people stand in front of blue screen

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

Read more about History Faculty Selected for National World War II Museum Seminar
Autumn Braase headshot

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.

Read more about Braase Named 2026 Idaho Women of the Year Honoree
Group of CWI and Kazakhstan leaders in front of Academic Building

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

Read more about International Exchange Program Brings Kazakhstan Mining Leaders to CWI
Ryan Hanson standing on a staircase

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.

Read more about Hanson Named May 2026 Faculty of Distinction
Michal Yadlin standing outside in a garden space

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

Read more about Yadlin Named April 2026 Faculty of Distinction
Therese Woozley

Congratulations to Communication Adjunct Faculty, Thérése Woozley, who has been named Faculty of Distinction for March 2026.

Read more about Woozley Named March 2026 Faculty of Distinction
picture of Yanet Nuñez with award

Congratulations to CWI Counselor, Yanet Nuñez, who has been named the 2026 Supervisor of the Year by the Idaho Counseling Association.

Read more about Nuñez Named 2026 Idaho Counseling Association Supervisor of the Year
Joe Welker

Congratulations to Associate Professor of Accounting, Joe Welker, who has been named Faculty of Distinction for February 2026.

Read more about Welker Named February 2026 Faculty of Distinction

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