College of Western Idaho (CWI) has introduced a new Digital Photography program designed to help students turn their creative skills into sustainable careers right here in the Treasure Valley.
“We really wanted to create something unique that wasn’t duplicating what other schools in the valley were already offering,” said Brenda Fisher, Chair of the Art Department at CWI. “This is about creating opportunities that didn’t previously exist for students and for our local workforce.”
Shawna Donahue is leading and instructing the new program. An internationally exhibited artist, she brings expertise in photography, artist’s books, and encaustic collage. Her work is included in collections such as the New York Public Library and UCLA. Prior to Donahue joining CWI she was an instructor at Boise State University. She is now entering her tenth year of educating students at CWI. Visit shawna-donahue.com to explore her portfolio and creative projects.
Additionally, Donahue was recently selected to be part of a new photography project called Boise PhotoGrid documenting the city of Boise, for which she was featured on the Boise State Public Radio show, Idaho Matters (Listen here). Her work on this initiative can be found on Instagram: @boise.photogrid.
The program was developed from the ground up to meet workforce demand and student interest. While other institutions focus solely on fine arts photography, CWI’s program takes a more applied, career-focused approach. Students gain hands-on experience in editorial, portrait, event, and commercial photography, and learn how to build a freelance or small business with real-world training. The program is still a great fit for students interested in fine art, but it also opens the door to a wider range of career opportunities. Students will also develop a portfolio during their studies, providing an awesome way to illustrate their talent and hard work after graduation.
“There’s a misconception that if you pursue the arts, you’re destined to struggle financially,” Shawna shared. “But the arts are everywhere in our world, and this program proves you can build a sustainable, rewarding career with the right training.”
Until now, students interested in photography had limited options after high school. With more than 1,500 high school students participating in Career Technical Education (CTE) photography courses across the region each year, CWI’s program fills a long-standing gap for local, career-ready training after high school.
“There was a real need for a local program that would allow students to build on what they started in high school,” said Donahue. “Now, we can be that next step.”
To give students flexibility based on their goals and timeline, CWI offers two pathways: a one-year Basic Technical Certificate (BTC), ideal for working professionals or those looking to build marketable skills quickly, or a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree designed for those seeking a deeper, more comprehensive education. Along the way, students can earn an additional Small Business and Entrepreneurship Certificate without adding time.
A key feature of the program is its gear-inclusive model. Equipment fees are built into several photography courses, allowing students to build a professional kit over time and use financial aid where eligible. For those who already own equipment, opt-out options are available on a case-by-case basis.
“This program is about showing students that a career in the arts can be both creative and sustainable,” Shawna added. “We are giving them the tools to succeed on day one.”
Flexible scheduling, stackable credentials, and strong community partnerships make this program accessible to a range of learners, from recent high school graduates to working professionals.
Beyond the classroom, the program is actively building relationships with local creative agencies to provide students with real-world experience through internships and collaborative projects. For example, students in the program have photographed CWI’s new Health and Science and Simplot Agriculture Building, and their work will be displayed as large-scale art within those spaces.
The curriculum also includes general education courses such as personal finance, design, communication, and film and video production to help students become well-rounded creative professionals.
This combination of practical skills, business training, and real-world experience makes CWI’s Digital Photography program a valuable option for students who want to transform their creative passion into a lifelong career.
Ready to turn your creativity into a career? Learn more about the Digital Photography program at College of Western Idaho.
