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

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.

Getting Back Up

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

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.

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.

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 the nation's fastest-growing industries.

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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.

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

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

Graduate with candle walking across stage

2026 Registered Nursing Pinning Ceremony

The Registered Nursing Class of 2026 was celebrated at the Nampa Civic Center as graduates marked the transition into nursing through pinning, speeches, awards, and a candle lighting...

Student Success

Young Finds Her Calling to Help Others

Gracie Young is preparing to begin her healthcare career after gaining real-world experience through the Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

Student Success

Connecting Cybersecurity to Real-World Impact

CWI student LeAndra Onys connects classroom learning to real-world experience through technical training and exploring global cybersecurity issues.

Student Success

Bronwyn Hitchcock sitting on stool in art classroom

The Art of Finding a Direction

Bronwyn Hitchcock credits CWI’s Studio Art program with helping her build confidence, explore new mediums, and pursue a future in art.

Student Success

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

Popcorn bucket, tickets, and clapperboard

CWI Summer 2026 Movie Series

Students and their guests are invited to join the Student Engagement team at Majestic Cinemas in Meridian all summer long for free movies and snacks.

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

Annual Plant Sale Raises 17K for Students

Proceeds from the sale directly support student learning in the Horticulture Technology program, helping fund courses and student learning.

Campus Life

Learning Commons: Library

The Library helps students build those skills while providing access to research tools, study spaces, technology, and personalized support throughout their academic journey.

Campus Life

Spring 2026 OtterTank Showcases and Celebrates Entrepreneurs

Students, employees, and community members pitched business ideas, side hustles, and early-stage ventures through to win prize funding and audience support.

Campus Life

Barrel marked with Boise Rescue Mission signs

Spring Into the Spirit of Giving Back

Student Nurses Association is partnering with Boise Rescue Mission Ministries to collect hygiene products for local community members in need.

Campus Life

Spring 2026 Crunch Week

The CWI Learning Commons team is hosting a series of events designed to help students prepare, relax, and find motivation as they head into the final stretch of the semester.

Campus Life

People sitting on a bench at the Student Arboretum

Student Arboretum Grows into Hands-On Learning Space

A year later after its open, the Student Arboretum has become an outdoor classroom, sustainability project, and growing community resource.

Campus Life

Learning Commons: Writing and AI Literacy Center

The Writing and AI Literacy Center is available to help students strengthen their writing, develop confidence, and learn how to use emerging AI tools responsibly.

Campus Life

PTK Welcomes 24 New Inductees

CWI's Phi Theta Kappa chapter, Beta Sigma Pi Honor Society, inducted 24 new members, bringing another group of student leaders into the College’s honor society community.

Campus Life

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

Beware of Cyber Attackers and Phishing Scammers

Members of the CWI community are encouraged to remain on alert for phishing attempts and other cyber suspicious activity.

Announcements

CWI Raises Final Beam at Boise Micron Academic Center

CWI marked a new milestone in its Boise expansion with a topping off ceremony for the Boise Micron Academic Center, celebrating the placement of the building’s final structural beam.

Announcements

Build, Break, Defend, Create, and Explore at Tech Quest Summer Camp

Middle and high school students can explore technology this summer through Tech Quest Summer Camp, a hands-on experience designed to help students build, experiment, solve problems, and...

Announcements

Cheer on Steelheads at the Playoffs

Discounted CWI group tickets are now available for the next two playoff games as the Idaho Steelheads take on the Allen Americans at Idaho Central Arena.

Announcements

Instructor and student work on HVAC unit in lab

Spring 2026 Apprenticeships Open House

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

Announcements

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

Lopez’s OtterTank Win Strengthens Programs Serving Idaho Youth

Jared Lopez won the $1,000 OtterTank grand prize for The Idaho Underground, supporting at risk youth and strengthening local student programs through mentorship and enrichment.

Community

Group picture in front of a sign that states "the Idaho Department of Commerce and Higher Education Delegation" | Green backdrop

CWI Delegation Strengthens Idaho’s Semiconductor Workforce Training

CWI joined a Taiwan delegation to strengthen Idaho’s semiconductor workforce and spotlighted programs preparing students for high demand technical careers.

Community

CWI Faculty to Host Big Read Poetry Workshop

Through the Big Read initiative, CWI English Instructor, Dzevad Vrabac, will host a special Poetry Workshop on Feb. 12.

Community

Giving & Scholarships

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

In the Spotlight: Aboud’s Second Chance

CWI scholarships helped Erin Aboud stay in school while balancing motherhood and rebuilding her life, turning her education into a path to help others.

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

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

Woozley Named March 2026 Faculty of Distinction

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

Faculty & Staff

Nuñez Named 2026 Idaho Counseling Association Supervisor of the Year

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

Faculty & Staff

Welker Named February 2026 Faculty of Distinction

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

Faculty & Staff

Colleen Conklin working with medical tools

Conklin Named January 2026 Faculty of Distinction

Congratulations to Assistant Professor of Health Professions, Colleen Conklin, who has been named Faculty of Distinction for January 2026.

Faculty & Staff

Hardy Named Assistant Vice President of Employer Partnerships & Workforce Development

CWI welcomes back Trevi Hardy, who rejoins the College as Assistant Vice President of Employer Partnerships and Workforce Development.

Faculty & Staff

Group of people standing together | Green gradient backdrop

Professional Development Day Celebrates Faculty Innovation and Teaching Excellence

Professional Development Day at CWI spotlighted innovative teaching, honored outstanding faculty, and celebrated projects that put students at the center of learning.

Faculty & Staff

Holly Bazarski stands in front of world map

Bazarski Selected for National Adult Education Fellowship

Adult Education Teacher Holly Bazarski was selected as Idaho’s 2026 State Advocate for Adult Education Fellow, strengthening advocacy for adult learners statewide.

Faculty & Staff

Wallgren Named December 2025 Faculty of Distinction

Congratulations to Associate Professor of Business, Lindsey Wallgren, who has been named Faculty of Distinction for December 2025.

Faculty & Staff

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Media Contact

Ashley Smith

Government & Community Relations Executive Director

208.562.3106

ashleysmith5@cwi.edu