CWI News – Jan. 23, 2026
In the Spotlight
Staff, faculty, and students from CWI’s Horticulture Technology program represented the College well at this week’s Idaho Nursery and Landscape Association Idaho Horticulture Expo. From showcasing the program at an exhibit booth to Assistant Dean of Agricultural Sciences Andrea Schumaker sharing what’s ahead for the new Agricultural Sciences Complex, CWI’s presence was strong throughout the event. Adding to the celebration, Horticulture Technology student Amalie Bolinder received the Academic Scholarship award.
CWI proudly served as the Expo’s Education Sponsor, with Otter pride on display throughout the three-day event at the Boise Centre.
News Highlights
OtterBound Gives Students a Head Start
What started as an opportunity for high school students to get a jump on college has grown into a coordinated effort across the Treasure Valley and beyond.
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) OtterBound program continues to gain momentum, with expanded implementation beginning Fall 2025 in schools across the Treasure Valley, including two of the state’s largest districts, Boise and West Ada. The growth is driven by collaboration between CWI Dual Credit staff and district partners committed to student success.
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.
Designed as an early college on-ramp beginning as early as sophomore year, OtterBound allows students to move beyond individual dual credit courses and into a structured plan toward an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree. Along the way, students gain a better understanding of what college is like, what subjects interest them, and how their education can connect to future goals.
Students who complete the OtterBound pathway can earn 60 or more college credits and earn an associate degree by high school graduation!
Stephen Crumrine, Executive Director of Dual Credit at CWI, shares the program’s recent expansion reflects both student interest and the behind-the-scenes work of staff who help students navigate college systems early.
“OtterBound gives students the chance to experience college in a supported way,” Crumrine said. “They begin to understand what they enjoy, what challenges them, and how their education can align with future goals.”
A core feature of OtterBound is the personalized approach. Students receive advising, structured academic planning, and regular check-ins to help them stay on track. Early registration access allows students to build schedules that align with high school coursework and extracurricular activities, reducing barriers and improving the overall student experience.
The program also places an emphasis on what comes next. Students meet with advisors, explore career interests through the Work-Based Learning Center, and complete a senior-year graduation review to ensure they are prepared to finish strong and move forward into their next chapter with confidence.
District partners have also expressed enthusiasm for the program and its impact on students.
“Partnering with CWI to offer OtterBound is an exciting next step for Capital High School,” said Capital High School Principal, Derek Gardner. “Our students have long benefited from concurrent credit, but this program provides an organized roadmap that empowers them to begin college ahead of the game.”
As OtterBound continues to grow, the focus stays on what matters most: supporting students early and helping college feel attainable long before high school graduation.
CWI Partners With WICAP to Support Heating Assistance
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is committed to supporting its community through meaningful partnerships and initiatives. CWI has joined forces with Western Idaho Community Action Partnership (WICAP) to offer heating assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program provides vital financial aid to individuals and families struggling to manage the rising costs of home heating.
WICAP representatives will be available to assist eligible individuals at the following location:
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), room 107
Thursday, Feb. 5
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
How to Prepare
This program is open to those who meet specific income eligibility requirements. Participants are encouraged to come prepared with the necessary documentation to expedite the application process.
- Social security cards for all household members
- Last month’s paystubs for all employed household members
- Social security award letter/bank statement if you receive SS, SSI, SSDI
- Both Intermountain Gas and Idaho Power bills (unless you only have one vendor)
- For oil/propane/wood vendors – bring invoice/proof of heating account and Idaho Power bill
For those interested in attending, please reserve your spot by contacting juansanchez1@cwi.edu.
Whether you are a student, faculty, or staff member, take advantage of this valuable resource and help spread the word to others who may benefit. Stay warm and secure this winter season by applying for heating assistance.
For more information, contact Juan Sanchez at juansanchez1@cwi.edu or 208.562.2606.
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.
Spring 2026 Job & Career Fair
Join College of Western Idaho (CWI) for the Spring 2026 Job & Career Fair to meet with employers from across the Treasure Valley who are ready to put your skills to work! Whether you are seeking part-time work, a full-time position, or career advice, this event is your gateway to professional growth.
- Network with companies hiring for a variety of positions
- Find jobs that fit your skills and passions.
- Learn tips on resume writing, interviewing, and more.
- Enjoy free food and prizes by meeting with employers!
Tuesday, February 3
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN)
Wednesday, February 4
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB)
Thursday, Feb. 5
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC)
For those with questions or in need of more information, contact Work-Based Learning Center at wblc@cwi.edu or Student Engagement at studentengagement@cwi.edu.
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.
Update Email Signatures With New Address
As a reminder, College of Western Idaho (CWI) has implemented a new central receiving and mail services system designed to improve efficiency and ensure timely delivery of mail and packages across all campuses. Departments across the College are asked to update email signatures, along with business cards, stationery, and websites, to reflect the new addresses. Marketing and Communications have provided updated brand templates that can be found on their SharePoint page, including email signatures.
Please note, to access the new templates on SharePoint, you must be signed into your CWI account.
It is important to begin using the new mailing and central receiving addresses immediately to help ensure timely delivery of mail and shipments. The new system centralizes how mail, packages, and freight are received and distributed.
Key changes include:
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Mailing Address: Campus mail will now be processed at 5500 E. Opportunity Dr., Nampa, ID 83687. The current P.O. Box address will remain valid until Oct. 1, 2026.
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Central Receiving Address: All incoming deliveries of parcels and freight will be received at 5725 E. Franklin Rd., Nampa, ID 83687.
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Mail Stops: New mail stops will be added and select existing ones will be updated to ensure accurate delivery. For example, Canyon County Center will transition to MS 4000 to give the CWI One Stop its own unique code.
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Outgoing Shipments: Departments can request pickup for outgoing mail and packages by emailing centralreceiving@cwi.edu.
“This move reflects CWI’s commitment to supporting our growing community with reliable and efficient services, we appreciate everyone’s cooperation to make this transition smooth,” said Jeff Flynn, Executive Director, Facilities Planning and Management
With these changes, CWI is improving how mail and deliveries are handled across campuses. Faculty and staff are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the updated processes and communicate these updates to external business partners.
For more details, view this PDF or contact centralreceiving@cwi.edu.
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!
