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

Lorivern Saycon stands in front of a desktop and cables

Saycon Finds Her Voice

Lorivern Saycon found confidence, community, and her voice at CWI, leading to a gold medal in SkillsUSA speaking.

Jay Berry stand in the middle of a computer lab

Berry Develops Future in Computer Science

After returning to school at CWI, Jay Berry found his calling in computer science and a path toward his future.

Five people stand on grass while looking at a screen

Geoscience Program Helping Restore Historic Nampa Cemetery

Geoscience program is bringing science and history together through a hands-on collaboration aimed at preserving a piece of local heritage in Nampa.

CWI Speech and Debate Closes Season with Strong Finish at Phi Rho Pi Regionals

CWI Speech and Debate closes the season with five awards at Phi Rho Pi Regionals, including two first-place finishes.

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Student Success

News By Category

Saycon Finds Her Voice

Lorivern Saycon found confidence, community, and her voice at CWI, leading to a gold medal in SkillsUSA speaking.

CWI Speech and Debate Closes Season with Strong Finish at Phi Rho Pi Regionals

CWI Speech and Debate closes the season with five awards at Phi Rho Pi Regionals, including two first-place finishes.

Student Success

Berry Develops Future in Computer Science

After returning to school at CWI, Jay Berry found his calling in computer science and a path toward his future.

Student Success

Geoscience Program Helping Restore Historic Nampa Cemetery

Geoscience program is bringing science and history together through a hands-on collaboration aimed at preserving a piece of local heritage in Nampa.

Student Success

Studio Art 2026 Capstone pieces in front of green backdrop

What Makes Us Human: 2026 CWI Capstone Artist Exhibition

Celebrate the artistic and academic achievements of Studio Art graduates at the exhibit, What Makes Us Human, on display, beginning April 16.

Student Success

Business Professionals of America students and faculty stand with their awards

Students Excel at 2026 Idaho Business Professionals of America State Leadership Conference

Four CWI Business Professionals of America students participated in this year’s State Leadership conference, and each earned top-five placements across several competitions.

Student Success

CWI Students Earn Honors at 2026 Idaho SkillsUSA Conference

Students put their technical skills and preparation to the test during SkillsUSA Idaho's 2026 Idaho State Leadership and Skills Conference, earning multiple podium finishes across...

Student Success

Jessica Smith stands next to a hospital bed with a mannequin

Driven to Care

As a full-time Registered Nursing student, mom, and wife, Jessica Smith is pursuing her dream at CWI with hard work and support from her family, cohort, and scholarships. Through hands-on...

Student Success

Youmans Embracing Opportunities to Shape Her Future

After enrolling at CWI, ShanDale Youmans has gained hands-on experience, mentorship, and opportunities that helped turn her passion for the outdoors into a clear biology career path.

Student Success

Holly Bale stands next to artwork — Holly Bale

Student Photography Brings Life to New Campus Buildings

Digital Photography students help bring campus to life with their images now installed in new buildings on campus, showcasing creativity and student talent.

Student Success

Graduates raising their right hand in audience

Ceremony Honors 2026 Law Enforcement Graduates

CWI honored 14 graduates of its Law Enforcement Class 15 on March 9 with awards, a class gift, and reciting the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.

Student Success

CWI Celebrates Micron Apprenticeship Graduates and Welcomes Fifth Cohort

CWI and Micron celebrated 12 apprenticeship graduates and welcomed 11 new apprentices, highlighting a growing partnership building Idaho’s semiconductor workforce.

Student Success

Campus Life

News By Category

250th Declaration of Independence Panel

CWI will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a public panel discussion featuring History faculty.

Campus Life

Connections Conference 2026

College of Western Idaho will host its 11th annual Connections Conference on April 23, inviting students, faculty, staff, and community members to celebrate student achievement. 

Campus Life

Tutor working with students in front of a whiteboard

Learning Commons: Tutoring Services

At CWI, Tutoring Services is available to help students stay on track, strengthen their understanding of course material, and build the skills needed to succeed in college and beyond.

Campus Life

2026 Grad Fest – Let’s Celebrate Our Grads!

Gather your friends, family, and classmates, and plan to join us for a good time and good food as we kick off the countdown to graduation with Grad Fest on Friday, May 8.

Campus Life

Visiting Artist Series Welcomes Christine Atkinson

Join CWI Visiting Artist Series in welcoming artist, Christine Atkinson, to the Nampa Campus Academic Building on March 27.

Campus Life

Raptor Day Highlights Birds of Prey on Campus

Raptor Day at CWI gave students hands-on experience building kestrel nest boxes and learning about the valley’s amazing birds of prey.

Campus Life

Library Bookmobile to Visit Ada County Center

Ada Community Library Bookmobile will visit CWI on Feb. 24, offering library cards, book checkout, and free resources for students and the community.

Campus Life

Ten individuals pose together, smiling in front of a CWI step-and-repeat backdrop at a campus event.

Recognizing Excellence: 2026 Student Leadership Award Nominations Open

Nominate a student, organization, or advisor for the 2026 CWI Student Leadership Awards.

Campus Life

Image of the Tempest Promotional flyer in front of a green backdrop

Visiting Artist Series Welcomes 2026 Idaho Shakespeare Festival

Join the College's Visiting Artist Series in welcoming Idaho Shakespeare Festival back to campus on Tuesday, Feb. 17, for a performance of The Tempest and an acting workshop.

Campus Life

Visiting Artist Series Welcomes Jill Storey

Join CWI's Visiting Artist Series in welcoming artist Jill Storey to campus on Feb. 26 – 27.

Campus Life

Spring 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

Mindfulness Mondays Returns This Spring Offering Free Yoga on Campus

Mindfulness Mondays with 2C Yoga are open to all College of Western Idaho students on most Mondays at noon at the Nampa Campus Academic Building.

Campus Life

Announcements

News By Category

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

Annual CWI Horticulture Plant Sale Returns May 6

Freshen up your yard and garden this spring at the Annual Plant Sale hosted by students in the Horticulture Technology program at CWI.

Announcements

Student at a desk with several other student behind him

Get ready for an exciting Fall 2026 semester at CWI! Whether you’re continuing your education, starting a new path, earning a degree or certificate, preparing to transfer, or learning just...

Announcements

Leaders from Micron, CWI’s Board of Trustees, and President Gordon Jones

College of Western Idaho Announces Significant Gift from Micron Technology

CWI and Micron announced a gift that will name the College’s new Boise location, the Micron Academic Center. 

Announcements

CWI Strengthens Commitment to Student Mental Health as JED Campus Alumni

CWI continues its partnership with the Jed Foundation as a JED Campus Alumni school, strengthening programs that support student emotional health and suicide prevention.

Announcements

Judge speaking with Jared Lopez in front of presentation

Entrepreneur Lab Invites Community to Spring 2026 OtterTank, Presented by First Federal Bank

CWI’s Entrepreneur Lab will host the next OtterTank April 22, presented by First Federal Bank, inviting the community to pitch ideas and support local entrepreneurs

Announcements

Group of people sitting and talking in the Entrepreneur Lab

Explore, Learn, and Grow at the CWI Entrepreneur Lab in Spring 2026

CWI’s Entrepreneur Lab helps students and community members explore, learn, and grow their ideas through workshops, cohorts, and more.

Announcements

Two people looking at the art gallery wall

2026 Juried Art Exhibition

CWI’s Juried Art Exhibition is open to current students through March 20. Submit any medium for a chance to win a $300 cash prize during the Connections Conference.

Announcements

Person in the wild looking through binoculars

Pathways Internships Offer Hands On Wildlife Experience

CWI Biology Natural Resources majors can apply for Pathways Internships, gaining hands on experience in wildlife conservation and research across Idaho.

Announcements

Three people with diplomas and in cap and gowns

Important Update: 2026 Commencement Date & Venue

CWI's 2026 Commencement Ceremony will be held at the Ford Idaho Center on Tuesday, May 19.

Announcements

Group of people standing on staircase, with two people holding a proclamation

CWI Celebrates Career and Technical Education Month

February is Career & Technical Education Month in Idaho! CWI celebrates hands-on learning, workforce partnerships, and student success across its 45 CTE programs.

Announcements

Two people holding an award on stage with black curtain in background

CWI Selected as 2025 NWCCU Beacon Award Recipient

NWCCU honored CWI with the 2025 Beacon Award for its innovative math redesign that improved readiness, equity, and gateway course completion.

Announcements

Community

News By Category

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

Person welding in a lab with a helmet on

Students Showcase Talent at CWI Regional SkillsUSA Diesel Competition

CWI hosted dozens of high school and college students for a Regional SkillsUSA diesel competition, giving participants the opportunity to test technical skills, connect with industry...

Community

Group of 11 people stand and kneel in front of sign that says Family Advocates | Green back drop behind image

CWI Students Strengthen Families Through Service-Learning Partnership

Through a service-learning partnership, CWI students donated 460 hours to Family Advocates, supporting children, families, and community-based programs.

Community

Two students with bags standing outside building

OtterBound Gives Students a Head Start

Since its official launch, OtterBound has already enrolled more than 200 students, with an additional 10 to 15 students reaching out each week to express interest in the program.

Community

Group of people stand in store near Santa Claus

CWI Law Enforcement Students Support Shop with a Sheriff Program

CWI Law Enforcement students volunteered with Shop with a Sheriff, wrapping gifts for 114 children and helping create joy and community connections during the holiday season.

Community

Adult Education Helps Canyon County Students Build Brighter Futures

The College's Adult Education partnership with Canyon County Juvenile Probation helps at-risk youth earn GEDs, build confidence, and create stronger futures.

Community

CWI Joined Community Efforts at Canyon County Festival of Trees

CWI celebrated the Canyon County Festival of Trees with a student-designed, garden-themed holiday tree, supporting Meals on Wheels and homebound seniors across Canyon County.

Community

Giving & Scholarships

News By Category

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

Steelheads Celebrate Students at CWI Night

Another exciting CWI Night spotlights Fire Service and Law Enforcement programs while a student scores a $1,000 scholarship.

Giving & Scholarships

Student holding a large check in front of crowd

Big Win and Big Impact at CWI Night

CWI Night spotlights programs, students, and community as Steelheads claim a 3-2 overtime win.

Giving & Scholarships

Person holding a large check stands in front of group people

CWI Nights Celebrates Students at Idaho Steelheads

CWI fans packed Idaho Central Arena for CWI Night as the Steelheads won 4–3, celebrating school spirit, scholarships, and community support for student success.

Giving & Scholarships

Man in cowboy hat in field with building behind him

The Lasting Impact of a Scholarship

A CWI scholarship helped Stuart Tice find his path in agriculture and return to support hands-on learning for future students.

Giving & Scholarships

Scholarships Open for 2026-2027 Academic Year

Each year, the Foundation awards hundreds of scholarships to support students enrolled in both academic and career technical programs.

Giving & Scholarships

Your Gift Can Change a Student’s Life

Invest in CWI students’ success and unlock a $100 match when you begin a new recurring gift before Dec. 31.

Giving & Scholarships

Four people standing together holding a check

Local First – Pleasant Valley Solar 2 Scholarship Powers Student Success

Pleasant Valley Solar 2 partners committed $187,500 to CWI for a new workforce scholarship supporting career-focused education and strengthening Idaho’s local talent pipeline.

Giving & Scholarships

Fuel Student Success: Become a CWI Sustainer

Small, consistent acts of generosity can add up to lasting impact. That’s the idea behind the new CWI Sustainer Giving Program, a simple, meaningful way for anyone who believes in CWI’s...

Giving & Scholarships

Alumni

News By Category

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

All-star Alumni—Jordie Ferro

CWI alumna, Jordie Ferro, receives internship in Las Vegas.

Alumni

Faculty & Staff

News By Category

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

Bulthuis Named November 2025 Faculty of Distinction

Congratulations to Math Solutions Center Teaching Faculty, Chelse Bulthuis, who has been named Faculty of Distinction for November 2025.

Faculty & Staff

Elise Connor with a pipette at a lab counter

Connor Named October 2025 Faculty of Distinction

Congratulations to Associate Professor of Biology, Elise Connor, who has been named Faculty of Distinction for October 2025.

Faculty & Staff

Yadlin Selected to Idaho Humanities Council Board

Congratulations to Honors Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Humanities, Michal Yadlin, who has been appointed to the board of the Idaho Humanities Council as an academic...

Faculty & Staff

Jones Recognized Nationally as a Leader in Higher Education Innovation

President Gordon Jones has been named to the ASU+GSV Higher Education Insights Board.

Faculty & Staff

Jones and Arstein Named to Idaho Business Review’s IDAHO 500 List

CWI leaders Gordon Jones and Mark Arstein were named to Idaho Business Review’s IDAHO 500 for advancing education, workforce growth, and community opportunity.

Faculty & Staff

Stephanie Sevigny posing next to telescope in science lab

Sevigny Named September 2025 Faculty of Distinction

Congratulations to Assistant Professor of Physics, Stephanie Sevigny, who has been named Faculty of Distinction for September 2025.

Faculty & Staff

Sean Gould presenting on stage with projector screen behind them

Gould Named Idaho GEM Innovative Educator of the Year

CWI celebrates Philosophy Adjunct, Sean Gould, named Idaho’s 2025 GEM Innovative Educator for his creative teaching and dedication to student success.

Faculty & Staff

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Media Contact

Ashley Smith

Government & Community Relations Executive Director

208.562.3106

ashleysmith5@cwi.edu