College of Western Idaho (CWI) welcomed 29 high school juniors to its 2026 Summer Career and Technical Education (CTE) Bridge Program for a week of hands-on instruction, career exploration, and industry experiences.
Designed as an enrichment and skills-development program, Summer Bridge gives students an opportunity to explore different career pathways while gaining a deeper understanding of CWI’s CTE programs. Throughout the week, students worked alongside CWI faculty and instructors, experienced CTE learning environments firsthand, and developed skills connected to a variety of career fields.
Students explored a wide range of CTE pathways at CWI throughout the week, including Drafting Technology, Heavy-Duty Truck Technician, Medical Assistant, Dental Assisting, Collision Repair Technology, Cybersecurity, Physical Therapist Assistant, Automotive Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Machine Tool Technology, Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Powersports and Small Engine Repair Technology, and more. Through these experiences, students gained exposure to career fields spanning technology, transportation, manufacturing, and healthcare.
CWI faculty introduced students to the skills and practices taught in each program, giving them opportunities to work with the tools and technology used in different career fields. These opportunities came to life through hands-on activities, from changing tires and alternator belts in transportation and manufacturing programs to removing and reinstalling a semi-truck tire using heavy-duty tools and equipment.
While exploring computer science and engineering, students designed homes and programmed robotic cars, which they raced on a track they built themselves, with one student even figuring out how to reprogram a car to make it faster. In Health Science programs, students practiced healthcare skills by creating molds of their own teeth, using stethoscopes, and learning how to take vital signs.
Working alongside CWI faculty and alumni also gave students opportunities to ask questions and learn more about the education, training, and skills needed to pursue careers that interested them.
“My favorite part is seeing the excitement from the students when they grasp the material and realize, ‘This is definitely something I can do,’” said CWI Drafting Technology graduate and Summer Bridge Mentor, Fabian Pacheco. “The Summer Bridge Program is not just a lecture, it’s hands-on. You start working with a team that helps make the education and training fun for you.”
Students also connected with CWI resources designed to support their educational and career goals. Throughout the week, representatives from CWI’s Entrepreneur Lab, Work-Based Learning Center, and Admissions shared information about opportunities and resources available as students begin planning for life after high school.
Career exploration continued beyond CWI through industry tours in the Treasure Valley. Students visited Saint Alphonsus in Nampa and Exentec before touring Lyle Pearson on the final day of the program. These visits gave participants a firsthand look at professional environments and helped connect the CTE pathways explored throughout the week with careers in local industry.
“Thank you to all those who helped run the Summer Bridge program,” shared one Summer Bridge student. “I gained so much useful knowledge while having a blast at the same time, not to mention all the awesome friendships I made. I also really wanted to thank you for all the valuable conversations you had with me, whether that was about college or even just about the pets we have. Thank you so much for putting in that extra bit of effort, even just showing me around the new building while I was waiting for my ride.”
Interested in turning your skills and interests into a career? Explore CWI’s CTE programs and discover hands-on training opportunities designed to prepare students for in-demand careers.
