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

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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.

Farm to Fork Dinner Raises $6,400 for the Urban Market Garden

Guests gathered at the Nampa Campus Agricultural Sciences Complex for a five-course meal celebrating local agriculture and raising $6,400 to support the College's Urban Market Garden.

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.

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.

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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

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

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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

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

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

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Bring Your Business Ideas to Fall 2026 OtterTank

Bring your business ideas to OtterTank on Nov. 18! Join local entrepreneurs as they pitch their ideas, connect with the community, and share their creativity.

Campus Life

Farm to Fork Dinner Raises $6,400 for the Urban Market Garden

Guests gathered at the Nampa Campus Agricultural Sciences Complex for a five-course meal celebrating local agriculture and raising $6,400 to support the College's Urban Market Garden.

Campus Life

Election Experts to Discuss Midterm Elections at CWI

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

Campus Life

College of Western Idaho Otters | Otter Head

Cheer on CWI at the Otter Cup Soccer Championship

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

Campus Life

2026 ASCWI Trick or Treat

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

Campus Life

CWI Celebrates 2026 National Tutor Appreciation Week

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

Campus Life

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Plan Your Next Step at Transfer Together

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

Campus Life

Two players kicking a ball with two others in the back

Find Your Team with CWI Intramural Soccer

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

Campus Life

Announcements

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

Shirts, sweaters, cups on display at Bookstore

Bookstore Moving to CapEd Student Success Center

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...

Announcements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Media Contact

Ashley Smith

Government & Community Relations Executive Director

208.562.3106

ashleysmith5@cwi.edu