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

Group picture in front of a sign that states "the Idaho Department of Commerce and Higher Education Delegation" | Green backdrop

CWI joined a Taiwan delegation to strengthen Idaho’s semiconductor workforce and spotlighted programs preparing students for high demand technical careers.

Read more about CWI Delegation Strengthens Idaho’s Semiconductor Workforce Training
Dzevad Vrabac

Through the Big Read initiative, CWI English Instructor, Dzevad Vrabac, will host a special Poetry Workshop on Feb. 12.

Read more about CWI Faculty to Host Big Read Poetry Workshop
Person welding in a lab with a helmet on

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...

Read more about Students Showcase Talent at CWI Regional SkillsUSA Diesel Competition
Group of 11 people stand and kneel in front of sign that says Family Advocates | Green back drop behind image

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

Read more about CWI Students Strengthen Families Through Service-Learning Partnership
Two students with bags standing outside building

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.

Read more about OtterBound Gives Students a Head Start
Group of people stand in store near Santa Claus

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.

Read more about CWI Law Enforcement Students Support Shop with a Sheriff Program
Two women at table

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

Read more about Adult Education Helps Canyon County Students Build Brighter Futures
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.

Read more about CWI Joined Community Efforts at Canyon County Festival of Trees
Group of people holding technology and tools

The College's Pre-Mechatronics program earned national recognition for its partnership with Micron, creating a new pathway that prepares adult learners for careers in advanced...

Read more about Pre-Mechatronics Program Highlighted on National Stage
Group of people stand outside with rakes and lawncare equipment

CWI Law Enforcement students, staff, and families joined community volunteers for Rake Up Caldwell, helping local elderly and disabled residents prepare their yards for winter.

Read more about Law Enforcement Students Help Community During Rake Up Caldwell
Four people pose together in front of a wooden wall illuminated by colorful, projected light patterns at night.

CWI faculty and students brought creativity and innovation to the spotlight during Illuminate 2025 at Surel’s Place in Garden City, showcasing sculpture, projection art, and photography.

Read more about CWI Students and Faculty Shine at Illuminated 2025
Group of seven people with two award recipients

Alexandria Horner and Tami Porter were honored as Idaho’s Adult Education Student and Teacher of the Year during Adult Education and Family Literacy Week 2025.

Read more about CWI Student and Teacher Recognized During National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week

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