CWI News – Jan. 16, 2026
In the Spotlight
CWI Fire Service Technology graduate Jessica Gillmore and Director of Fire Service Programs Darrin Raskopf recently spoke with Idaho News 6 about the hands-on learning that prepares students for fire service careers. A live training fire led by Nampa Fire Protection District offered a look at the kind of real-world training CWI provides for students pursuing fire service pathways.
Check out CWI in the News section to watch the story!
News Highlights
Returning to School, Rediscovering a Passion
When Amy Miller stepped onto a school campus as a student for the first time in 20 years, she felt a mix of excitement and nerves. Heading back to the classroom after two decades can be daunting, but for Miller, pursuing her education at College of Western Idaho (CWI) has turned into one of the best decisions of her life.
“Returning to school has reminded me there is always room for growth, and the trajectory of your life can take a turn at any moment,” Miller said.
That turn came once her two sons started school. After nearly a decade as a stay-at-home mom, Miller returned to the workforce at her youngest’s elementary school, where she also began volunteering to teach art lessons. That experience soon expanded beyond the school, leading her to offer art classes at local libraries and community events.
Miller’s love for art has been part of her life for as long as she can remember. Raised by a mother who is an artist, creativity was always present in her home. Though she stepped away from art while raising her family, she later rediscovered it and found it had become both a personal outlet and a way to connect with others.
Returning to work did more than reintroduce her to the workforce and art. It helped her discover a deeper passion for helping children learn and express themselves through it.
“Working with children has been the most rewarding and fulfilling job I have ever experienced,” Miller shared.
Miller enjoys helping children discover their hidden talents, watching them grow and seeing their confidence take shape. She believes art gives students a chance to express themselves, explore their imagination, and develop in ways traditional academics do not always reach.
“I am really excited about combining my passions,” Miller said. “It is kind of funny being 40 years old and finally figuring out what you are meant to do and what your passion is.”
Miller is positive working with children is the journey she wants to take with her life, but without a degree she is limited in the roles she can pursue within a school. While she loves volunteering, it doesn’t offer the time or space to dig into the concepts and hands-on work she wants to do with students.
That desire is what led her to start Elementary Education classes at CWI. Now, her coursework is allowing her to connect theory to practice, especially through lesson planning that mirrors the art instruction she hopes to deliver in the classroom.
“By earning my degree, I will have the knowledge and experience needed to step into a professional, full-time role as an educator,” Miller shared.
She also understands the lasting impact educators can have on a student’s life because of her own experiences. Before leaving high school early due to personal loss, Miller excelled academically and thrived in accelerated classes growing up. She shares the teachers she had helped her through difficult times and others have recognized her talents and have gone above and beyond to nurture them.
“It's those teachers that still impact me 20 years later I aspire to someday be,” Miller said. “My education here at CWI will give me the tools I need to hopefully be as effective as they were.”
Even as she returned to the classroom herself after two decades, Miller still feels that support through the College and her instructors.
“It has been apparent they are determined to see each student succeed,” Miller said. “They have shown flexibility and patience with me as I learn to navigate this new chapter in life.”
Another source of community Miller found is the CWI Honors Program. For Miller, the program has been both an academic challenge and a support network. While she initially planned to complete her degree entirely online, the Honors classes she has taken in person have become her favorite classes at CWI.
“Being in the Honors Program pushed me to prove to myself that I could do this,” Miller shared. “The classes are engaging, and it has been really rewarding to learn alongside other motivated students, including people my own age who are also returning to school.”
That encouragement has been crucial as she learns to balance school with her professional and personal life. As a mother, wife, and full-time school employee, her schedule was already demanding. Adding coursework while continuing to volunteer and pursue her art endeavors proved challenging but has become manageable thanks to the support of her family and CWI community.
“Learning how to manage my time effectively, limit distractions, and stay organized has been key to a successful few semesters,” Miller said.
She is already seeing some of the results from her hard work. In her first year at CWI, she made the Presidential List both semesters and maintained a 4.0 GPA. She also credits the Honors Program scholarship with helping make it possible to continue her education while working in an elementary school setting.
Reflecting on her journey over this last year, Miller encourages other students to stay connected to the passion that brought them to the classroom.
“There will be days, weeks even, when you will feel overwhelmed with the work in front of you. Obstacles will undoubtedly arise. Find ways to connect to that initial enthusiasm and drive that led you to pursue this path in the first place,” she said. “For me, small, daily interactions with children remind me of why I started. Always remember your ‘Why.’”
The Lasting Impact of a Scholarship
In The Spotlight: Stuart Tice
Nearly a decade after receiving a scholarship as a College of Western Idaho (CWI) student, Stuart Tice has come full circle. Once a scholarship recipient navigating his academic path, Tice is now a CWI alumnus and Animal Science Lab Materials Specialist, supporting hands-on learning for today’s Agriculture students.
Tice graduated from CWI in 2018 with an Associate of Agricultural Science after returning to college in search of a career aligned with his lifelong passion for agriculture. After spending years working in the tech industry, he found a sense of belonging through CWI.
“This program finally put me in a place where I felt like I belonged,” Tice said. “Once you find out where you fit, it just works.”
While enrolled at CWI, Tice received the Mitch & Stephanie Coats Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship, a student-created award funded through the CWI Foundation. Created by a fellow Agricultural Science student, the scholarship reflects how students can invest in one another and make a lasting difference.
“When you’re not working and attending school full-time, it is very impactful,” Tice said. “It helped get me through that semester and the following spring.”
After graduating, Tice went on to attend and graduate from University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Science, Communication and Leadership and then built a career in agriculture before returning to CWI in his current role. Today, he supports Agricultural Science courses and helps create impactful, hands-on learning experiences for students.
Since returning to campus, Tice has been especially excited to work in the new Nampa Campus Agricultural Sciences Complex, where updated equipment, barns, and labs allow students to see, touch, and experience agriculture in ways that weren’t possible when he was a student.
“Agriculture isn’t just classroom learning. You have to be outside to truly understand and appreciate it. A facility like this allows students to do that, and that’s really exciting.”
Tice has also been able to find a new focus for helping others understand where food comes from and why agriculture matters.
“I discovered a passion for sharing knowledge and helping people understand agriculture,” Tice said. “Being able to share my experiences, education, and everything in between with students and help them on their journey is important to me.”
His journey highlights the ripple effect of scholarship support, empowering students to complete their education and return to invest in others.
“Any scholarship makes a difference,” Tice said. “That support matters more than people realize.”
Join us in supporting CWI students and the futures they are building. Visit cwi.edu/give to learn more and donate today.
Scholarships Open for 2026-2027 Academic Year
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Foundation scholarship application period for the 2026-2027 academic year is now open. Each year, the Foundation awards hundreds of scholarships to support students enrolled in both academic and career technical programs. During the current academic year alone, more than 600 scholarships were awarded to CWI students.
Applying for scholarships at CWI is easy with one application. By completing the single scholarship application, students are automatically considered for most available scholarships. Some scholarships may require additional information or materials, and students will be prompted to complete those requirements if needed.
Please note, students may not immediately see all eligible scholarships they are matched with after submitting their application. Scholarships that appear right away are typically those that require additional information. Many scholarships do not require anything further, and students may be matched and notified of an award later in the process.
2026-2027 Academic Scholarships applications are now open on continuous cycles, with the first review period closing in March. Award notifications will be sent throughout the year to students’ CWI student email accounts.
Students interested in applying for scholarships must have the CWI admission application completed, be accepted, and have myCWI login information.
Visit the CWI Scholarships page to learn more!
CWI Nights Celebrates Students at Idaho Steelheads
The energy inside Idaho Central Arena was undeniable as the College of Western Idaho (CWI) community filled the stands for CWI Night on Wednesday, Dec. 3. Students, employees, and supporters of the College showed up in full force to cheer on the Idaho Steelheads, who secured a hard-fought 4-3 win over the Trois-Rivières Lions, at the second CWI Night of the 2025-2026 season.
The evening kicked off on the ice with a ceremonial puck drop featuring Vice President of Advancement and Chief Development Officer for the CWI Foundation, Mark Arstein; Assistant Dean of Agricultural Sciences, Andrea Schumaker; Perpetua Resources’ Blake Serrin and Dustin Rissmiller; Amalgamated Sugar’s Cade Norman; and CWI Horticulture Technology graduate, Aaron Midkiff. The moment highlighted the College’s continued partnership with the Steelheads and its commitment to recognizing students and programs in the community.
During the game, fans had the opportunity to learn more about the different programs CWI offers, such as Agricultural Business, Leadership, and Education and Mining Technician. The concourse buzzed with conversations about hands-on learning, career pathways, and how CWI supports students across the region.
One of the night’s biggest highlights came during the second intermission when Geology student, Jasper Johnson, was randomly drawn as the recipient of the $1,000 SCORE Big Scholarship. The scholarship, funded in part by CWI Night group ticket sales, supports current and future students as they continue or begin their education.
CWI Night continues to be a win for students and the community alike, blending school spirit, scholarship support, and Steelheads hockey into an unforgettable evening.
Fans can mark their calendars for the next CWI Night on Wednesday, Feb. 4, when the Idaho Steelheads take on the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. Group tickets include game admission and help support student scholarships, with $5 from every ticket sold going directly back to CWI students.
The fun does not stop at CWI Nights. Discounted tickets are available to the CWI community for all Steelheads home games throughout the season, offering even more chances to show CWI pride while cheering on the Steelheads.
CWI Hosts Week of Welcome for Spring 2026
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is excited to welcome students back for the Spring 2026 semester. Week of Welcome is a campuswide initiative designed to support students during their first week of classes and help them start the semester with confidence.
From Jan. 20 through Jan. 22, CWI staff will be stationed at select campus locations to assist students with navigating campus, finding classrooms, and answering common questions related to college life and resources.
Week of Welcome Locations & Times
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), Student Commons
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Lobby
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC), Lobby
7:30 – 10:30 a.m.
4 – 6 p.m.
To learn more about Week of Welcome, contact Student Engagement at studentengagement@cwi.edu.
Spring 2026 Student Resource Fair
Curious about what College of Western Idaho (CWI) has to offer outside the classroom? Join Student Affairs for the Spring 2026 Student Resource Fair! Explore campus and community resources, enjoy fun prizes, and grab some tasty food.
Student Resource Fair
Wednesday, Jan. 28
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB)
This event is perfect for new and returning students to:
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Explore on-campus resources like Tutoring Services, Counseling, Library, Writing Center, Veteran Services, and more.
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Discover extracurricular opportunities and develop leadership, time management, and career skills.
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Meet fellow students with shared interests and make new friends.
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Connect with off-campus community partners offering transit, childcare, financial support, medical care, and more.
Stop by, enjoy free food, and fill out an event passport for a chance to win fun prizes.
For those with questions or in need of more information about the Student Resource Fair, contact studentengagement@cwi.edu.
CWI Tutoring Services Research Featured in International Journal
College of Western Idaho (CWI) Tutoring Services was featured prominently in the October issue of The Learning Assistance Review (TLAR), the peer-reviewed journal of the International College Learning Association, highlighting CWI’s growing role in national and international conversations around academic support.
STEM Tutoring Services Supervisor, Isaac Johnson, along with Senior Research Analyst, Dani Navarre-Corisis; Assistant Director of Tutoring Services, Valerie Lee; and Consultant Specialist for Writing and AI Literacy Services, Jason Lowery, presented findings drawn from CWI tutoring data collected since the department began using the Upswing tutor-tracking platform in 2023. Since CWI’s founding in 2007, tutoring has been available to enrolled students at no additional cost.
The peer-reviewed study analyzed more than 10,000 tutoring sessions representing 1,862 students. Results showed that students who attended four to six tutoring sessions earned, on average, higher course outcomes than those who attended a single session, reinforcing the value of sustained academic support.
In the same issue of TLAR, Lee co-authored the first in a planned series of papers focused on defining learning centers and establishing best practices for staffing. Developed in partnership with three other schools, the research examined survey data from 86 institutions across the United States and Canada, including CWI, to better understand how learning centers operate and the services they provide.
Under the framework established in the study, CWI is categorized as a large, metro, two-year public institution. Establishing clear definitions for learning centers supports more informed decisions around staffing, budgeting, and service design, helping institutions reduce redundancy while maintaining student access to essential academic resources. This work also lays the groundwork for future research related to staffing ratios and sustainable learning assistance models.
Together, these publications highlight CWI Tutoring Services’ contribution to advancing the understanding of tutoring’s role and impact, both locally and across the broader higher education landscape.
Faculty and staff interested in exploring the research can access the full articles by visiting the Tutoring Services SharePoint and navigating to the Peer-Reviewed Articles section at the bottom of the page.
A Year of Progress: Fall 2025 Annual Report Now Available
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Fall 2025 Annual Report, Look Book, and Fast Facts are now available to view online. Together, these publications highlight key data, share authentic stories of impact, and offer a clear snapshot of how CWI is advancing its mission and serving the community.
CWI provides amazing value to those seeking an affordable, accessible, high-quality education, now serving more than 34,000 students each year. Students at CWI gain a competitive edge that prepares them to strengthen the local and global workforce, build confidence in their own potential, and contribute to long-term economic sustainability.
New this year, CWI is introducing a complementary piece to the Annual Report, the Look Book. This piece is dedicated to spotlighting stories that truly represent the success of the College and the faces behind the real impacts to our community demonstrated by the numbers shared in the 2025 reports.
Guided by its mission, CWI remains focused on student success, workforce readiness, and community impact. This continued commitment ensures a meaningful return on investment for students, employers, and the region as a whole.
Annual Report Fall 2025Fast Facts Fall 2025Look Book
Hard copies of this year’s Annual Report, Look Book, and Fast Facts are available by contacting Marketing & Communications at communications@cwi.edu.