CWI Compass Connect - February 4, 2014
In the Spotlight
College of Western Idaho (CWI) welcomed representatives from 25 area high schools to campus, Thursday (Jan. 30), for its annual Dual Credit In-service. Attendees included over 60 high school teachers, representatives from all CWI Academic Transfer departments, and presenters from the State Board of Education. The event provided an opportunity to begin dialogue about strengthening the bridge between secondary and postsecondary education, and the strong role Dual Credit plays in making that transition more seamless for students.
News Highlights
CWI Legislative Activities Update
College of Western Idaho (CWI) presented to Idaho lawmakers in late January, with a number of activities and sessions being held in conjunction with Legislative Education Week (Jan. 20-24). Once again CWI partnered with College of Southern Idaho (CSI) and North Idaho College (NIC) to host a Legislative luncheon, before presenting to various committees.
The collaboration and shared mission of Idaho’s community colleges was emphasized throughout the week. On Monday, the three colleges hosted legislative representatives to a lunch allowing each institution to highlight the value and benefits of educational services through student body presidents, and also share information on the important role each college is playing in economic vitality for the state. Later that afternoon President Glandon from CWI, Jeff Fox from CSI, and Joe Dunlap from NIC partnered in a joint presentation to the Senate Education Committee. The theme of Idaho’s community colleges is a unified agenda on equitable funding, college and career readiness/workforce preparation, dual credit, and Voluntary Framework of Accountability.
In addition to the joint presentations, President Glandon had an opportunity to present to the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee as well as the House Education Committee. Each presentation highlighted the successes of CWI students and programs, detailed the College’s plans and needs to continue in providing quality education, and CWI’s continued efforts in partnering with public and private entities to ensure our students success in obtaining viable skills.
CWI Partners to Educate Entrepreneurs
On Feb. 13, the College of Western Idaho (CWI) in partnership with the Women’s Business Center (WBC) of Idaho will present an educational session at the 2014 Smart Women, Smart Money Financial Conference in Boise. CWI and the WBC of Idaho are co-sponsoring the How to Launch Your Business From the Back of a Napkin breakout session, which will focus on providing tools for entrepreneurs to validate new business ideas.
In conjunction with the conference, CWI is also collaborating with the WBC of Idaho to launch a new entrepreneurially focused class, From Vision to Venture: Planning for Business Success. The course will be offered through CWI Business Partnerships/Workforce Development, starting on March 17, at the CWI Micron Center for Professional Technical Education. Visit the College’s website for more information and to register.
“This is an exciting opportunity for CWI to offer a successful course that provides business knowledge and resources the next generation of entrepreneurs need to be successful,” says CWI Technology and Business Solutions Manager, Becky Sherman. “Adding this new class continues CWI’s focus on local business and industry by providing educational resources for continued economic growth in Idaho.”
For more information on the Smart Women, Smart Money Financial Conference, visit www.smartwomensmartmoney.com. More information and to register for the From Vision to Venture: Planning for Business course can be found on the CWI website.
Machine Tool Technology Receives Micro 100 Tool Donation
In January, the College of Western Idaho (CWI) Machine Tool Technology program received a generous donation from the Micro 100 Tool Corporation, which provided over 1,000 tools for use by students in the program.
“This gift has a significant, ongoing impact on our program,” says Machine Tool Technology Program Chair, Dave Sperry. “Micro 100 has supported our students and the Machine Tool Technology program dating back to being part of Boise State University’s Selland College. We are so grateful for the continued commitment they have made to helping us provide a skilled, trained workforce.”
In addition to the donation, Micro 100 also conducts a federally approved apprenticeship program certified by the Department of Labor and Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, that has employed five CWI Machine Tool Technology graduates to date. The program provides paid apprenticeship opportunities while students complete an Associate of Applied Science degree at CWI and potentially a Bachelor’s of Applied Science degree at Boise State University, before continuing with four years of employment at Micro 100 after graduation.
“Our relationship with Micro 100 really has touched all aspects of our program,” says Sperry. “Take one of our former students, Eric Dahlen, for example. He was a state and national gold medal winner in the SkillsUSA Precision Machining competition in 2009. Now, not only is he employed at Micro 100, but he is also a judge for SkillsUSA competitions. It goes to show that partners like Micro 100 truly are making the learning environment so much more complete for our students.”
For more information on supporting CWI programs and students please visit the CWI Foundation website.
CWI Foundation Opens Online Scholarships Application
The College of Western Idaho Foundation (CWI) opened its online application for scholarships on Feb. 1. The CWI Foundation has both general and program-specific scholarship opportunities available to students for the 2014-15 academic year. New students who have been accepted and all current students are eligible to apply. Applications are accepted through August, but the priority awarding deadline is March 17. In order to be considered for scholarships in the initial awarding session, applications must be received by the priority deadline. For a list of available scholarships, including new scholarships, and application information visit cwi.edu/scholarships.
CWI Culinary Dining Opens for Spring Semester
The 2014 Spring semester is underway at College of Western Idaho (CWI), which means the CWI Culinary program’s dining services are open for customers. CWI Culinary students will be serving lunch in both the Technique Dining Room and Deli each week, Wednesday through Friday, from 11:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. To schedule a lunch meeting or to view the current menu, please visit cwi.edu/culinary-dining.
BPA Conference Brings 227 High School Students to CWI
College of Western Idaho (CWI) welcomed 227 high school students to Ada County Center on Jan. 18 for the annual Idaho High School Region V Business Professionals of America (BPA) Conference. The conference, which has been hosted at the College for the past three years, includes events like web design, network administration, college accounting, and interview skills.
A number of CWI students and faculty collaborated to help with all aspects of hosting the conference. Ten students from CWI BPA helped facilitate the event; from pre-event set up to registering competitors, event check-in, and more. They were assisted by three students from CWI’s Beta Sigma Pi honor society chapter. Five CWI Faculty members also served as judges and coordinators for the competition.
“From my perspective, this was the most successful High School BPA event we have hosted yet,” says CWI BPA Advisor, Linda Otto. “I am very proud of our students and thankful to everyone that helped make this event a great success.”
CWI’s BPA students will have an opportunity to test their own skills, March 14, as they will be attending the Post-Secondary State Competition for a chance to qualify to the national conference in Indianapolis, Ind., April 29-May 4.
CWI Speech and Debate Celebrates Milestone
College of Western Idaho (CWI) Speech and Debate has added another milestone to its long list of accomplishments, winning all three sweepstakes awards for the Northwest Forensics Conference’s (NFC) 2013-14 season. CWI, which has won three-consecutive community college national championships, was named the top Division III College in speech events, debate events, and overall sweepstakes points for all NFC designated tournaments this season.
CWI’s achievement came on the heels of a first-place performance at the Scheller Forensics Invitational, hosted by Pacific University, Jan. 24-26. The competition served as the final designated tournament of 2013-14 for the NFC, which is made up of schools from Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Alaska.
“This achievement marks an impressive addition to the growing legacy of the CWI Speech and Debate program,” says CWI Assistant Director of Forensics, Jim Gatfield. “We are incredibly proud of the hard work put forth by every member of the team, and so pleased to see that effort recognized through their success. Going forward, this victory will only motivate us to work harder.”
CWI Student Club Fundraiser Tips Off
College of Western Idaho (CWI) student clubs are looking for support of a fundraising partnership with the Idaho Stampede, Boise’s affiliate of the NBA Development League. The Stampede’s Feb. 28 game against the Santa Cruz Warriors has been deemed CWI Night at the Stampede. CWI student clubs are selling discounted $10 tickets to the game and the clubs will receive 100 percent of the proceeds.
Tickets must be purchased through a CWI student club representative. For more information on CWI Night at the Stampede, contact Michelle Cain at michellecain@cwi.edu.
