Looking Back at Community College Month

Published: May 3, 2024

April is Community College Month across America — a time when schools including College of Western Idaho (CWI) are recognized for the value they provide to students, families, and the economies. On April 1, President Gordon Jones and other community college presidents from Idaho joined Gov. Brad Little at the Capitol as he signed a ceremonial proclamation, underscoring the vital role that CWI and others play in offering accessible, high-quality education, fostering workforce development, and building stronger communities.

Community College Month at CWI was jam-packed with events and news, providing a glimpse into the momentum behind the College.

26 Medals! CWI Shines at SkillsUSA Idaho Competition

College of Western Idaho brought home 26 medals from the 2024 SkillsUSA Idaho State Leadership and Skills Conference.

Nagel Foundation Scholarship Fund Tops $1M in Donations After 6 Years Supporting CWI Students

After a $224,000 donation on April 8, The Nagel Foundation has now invested over $1M to support successful student outcomes at CWI.

CWI Celebrates New Chapter of Campus Expansion with Bridge Signing Ceremony

CWI celebrated campus development with a ceremonial bridge signing, showcasing the College’s dynamic future.

Connections Project Showcases Student Excellence

The College community came together for the ninth-annual Connections Project, which celebrates and showcases the hard work and accomplishments of CWI’s students.

Trading Up: Scholarships at CWI Receive a $100,000 Boost from Teens 2 Trades

CWI received a $100,000 gift from the Teens 2 Trades program to fund scholarships for plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and welding students.

Student Leadership Award Winners Recognized at Annual Banquet

Students at CWI were recognized and celebrated for their leadership on campus and in the community at the Student Leadership Banquet Friday, April 26.

New Health and Sciences Building Topped Off at Nampa Campus

A ceremony was held on April 26 to celebrate the completion of the structural framework of the new Health and Sciences Building.

NWCCU Approves CWI To Pursue Offering Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) approved CWI to offer a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration. This decision followed the Idaho State Board of Education's approval for CWI to pursue this new offering.

More from CWI

Mentor talks to student in front of computer

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.

Read more about Students Explore CTE Careers During Summer Bridge
Instructor and students working on welding 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.

Read more about CWI, Mission Critical Group Partner to Expand Welding Workforce Training
Olivia Sitton Holding Scholarship Check

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.

Read more about Celebrating Students at the Canyon County Fair
Win Big at the Canyon County Fair

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.

Read more about Celebrate the Canyon County Fair with CWI
Attendees sit in audience watching panelists talk

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...

Read more about Start Here Conference Inspires Entrepreneurs and Student Innovators
Group of people standing in greenhouse listening to tour guide

Agricultural Sciences students toured Treasure Valley farms and agribusinesses, gaining hands-on industry insight and local connections.

Read more about Farm Tour Connects Students with Local Agriculture
Start Here Conference graphic

Start Here Conference is designed to inspire entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders across the Treasure Valley.

Read more about Take the Next Step at Start Here Conference
Adults and children dig hole

Students and faculty joined young volunteers at Liberty Park on April 24 to plant trees as part of the City of Nampa’s Arbor Day celebration.

Read more about Horticulture Technology Partners with Nampa for Arbor Day Tree Planting
Five people stand in front of an American Flag

Governor Brad Little has declared April 26 – May 2 as Apprenticeship Week in Idaho, recognizing the important role registered apprenticeships play in building Idaho’s workforce and...

Read more about CWI Celebrates Apprenticeship Week
Person in indigenous attire with colorful feathered headdress

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.

Read more about CWI to Host Social PowWow Celebrating Native American Culture
Students on the side of road picking up trash

Students in Law Enforcement program bundled up and headed out for their 10th annual Adopt-A-Highway community service project on Feb. 10.

Read more about Law Enforcement Students Lead Highway Cleanup
Person stands behind Storyfort podium

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.

Read more about CWI Faculty & Students Take Center Stage at Treefort 2026

News QR Code

URL: https://cwi.edu/news/looking-back-community-college-month<br>