Congratulations to College of Western Idaho (CWI) Senior Transition Coordinator for Dual Credit Program, Oster Hernandez, who was named Staff of the Month for June 2023.
Part of Hernandez’s role at the College is to help promote the Dual Credit program and Career Technical Education (CTE) courses, whether that is giving tours on campus, visiting and presenting to local area high schools, or sharing information about the programs through the Pop-the-Trunk initiative. He also helps recruit and hire new Dual Credit and CTE teachers to the College and runs the Spanish Language College Level Examination Program (CLEP) initiative through the Dual Credit Office.
Hernandez has been part of the College for nearly 10 years, where he has worked in the Dual Credit Program for five of those years. Prior to being a Senior Transition Coordinator, Hernandez also worked at the College’s Testing Center, as an Enrollment Counselor, and as a CTE Transition Coordinator for Dual Credit.
“As I continued to work here, I found my passion for helping others achieve academic and career success,” Hernandez said. “CWI cares for their community and offers opportunities that no other college offers. I love my job and want to continue to be part of this amazing organization.”
One of Hernandez’s favorite memories since joining the institution was creating and launching the Pop-the-Trunk initiative, which involves teaching trunks that include lesson plans, program-specific materials and equipment, software, tools, and other information to help alternative high school students explore and learn about CTE. Introduced in the 2021-2022 academic year by Hernandez and Dual Credit and CTE Transition Coordinator, Jessica Concie, the initiative has since reached hundreds of students and was even recognized by the House and Senate Education Committees at the Idaho State Capitol.
“That was one of the best days of my career at CWI.”
Hernandez has also been invited to speak at national conferences to present to school leaders around the country about the initiative. Many around campus applaud Hernandez for his hard work and how well he is able to showcase the impacts the College has on the community.
“Oster represents CWI in the community with integrity and professionalism,” said Dean of Arts and Humanities, Justin Vance. “I am proud to call him a colleague. In addition, he is caring and respectful of his fellow employees.”
Hernandez is grateful to be part of the CWI community and work alongside a team of individuals whose main priority is to help students succeed.
“I love CWI because it provides a safe environment to learn, it is really affordable for the students that I work with, we have the best CTE programs, and, best of all, my co-workers and team,” he said.
Hernandez is a father to three children and a grandfather to four, with another on the way. Outside of the College, he enjoys listening to music and working as a DJ.
