College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) was alive with celebration on Friday, May 9, as graduates and their families gathered for the 2025 Grad Fest. This annual event, dedicated to honoring CWI graduates, offered a vibrant atmosphere filled with fun, food, and memories.
The party featured food from BIG Daddy’s Barbeque, photo opportunities courtesy of Alpha-Lit, cap decorating courtesy of CWI Foundation, giant yard games and an inflatable obstacle course, balloons by Magic Man Brad, music and a DJ provided by Rocky Mountain Roll, merchandise from the CWI Bookstore, giveaways, grand prize drawings, and more.
There was even more to celebrate at this year’s Grad Fest as CWI’s Workforce Development hosted Certificate Celebrations for their Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing Apprenticeship graduates.
Each of the three apprenticeship programs had its certificate celebration where over 334 apprentices received their certificate of completion from their respective four-year program.
- HVAC – 92 apprentices
- Electrical – 163 apprentices
- Plumbing – 79 apprentices
Apprentices in these programs completed at least 576 hours of classroom instruction, delivered either in-person or online, and aimed to gain 8,000 hours of on-the-job training over four years. These milestones prepare students to sit for Idaho’s Occupational and Professional License exam to become licensed Journeymen.
With hundreds of guests in attendance, Grad Fest 2025 was a memorable and meaningful sendoff for students as they prepare for Commencement.
Next up is CWI’s Commencement, which will bring together and recognize this year's degree, certificate, GED, and apprenticeship graduates as they walk across the ExtraMile Arena stage on Friday, May 16.
For those with questions or in need of more information, visit the Commencement page.
