CWI News – Jan. 31, 2024
News Highlights
Cultivating Success: Robin O’Neill Finds Growth in CWI’s Horticulture Program
“How many of you here at the Expo went to, work with, or hired someone from CWI,” asks Dan Schults, assistant professor of horticulture at College of Western Idaho (CWI). Hands lift throughout the conference room, filled with attendees of the annual Idaho Horticulture Expo, including thought leaders, employers, and business owners.
Also present are students from CWI’s Horticulture Technology and Agricultural Business, Leadership, and Education programs, and all listen as Schults shares a presentation about CWI’s near-complete Agriculture Sciences Complex. One second-year CWI student, Robin O’Neill, eagerly anticipates making new connections with professionals and employers at the Expo, and she’s been well prepared to do so by faculty. Her journey through CWI is a testament to the power of education in shaping careers and opening doors to industry connections.
Breaking New Ground
Before beginning the Horticulture Technology program, O’Neill already had a master’s degree and an established career in human resources and training. However, as a lifelong learner she felt drawn to CWI, not only for the depth of knowledge it offers, but also its flexible scheduling.
“The first course I took was a bit of a ‘test,’” O’Neill said. “I wanted to see if going back to school later in life and investigating the quality of the program was the right move. After that, I was hooked! Excellent instructors, fantastic curriculum, and diverse opportunities.”
O’Neill, now in her second year, has embraced every aspect of the program, finding inspiration in the breadth of knowledge and career possibilities it presents. From courses in Soil Science to Landscape Maintenance, she has expanded her understanding of plant propagation, crop production, and industry best practices. While she remains open to various career pathways, she credits the program with introducing her to numerous possibilities. “Every class broadens my perspective and opens doors to diverse career applications. Ask me next semester — I might have a new favorite direction!”
Ready to Sprout
CWI’s Horticulture Technology program is designed to provide students with both theoretical and hands-on experience. The curriculum immerses students in greenhouse operations, edible landscapes, and essential industry skills, preparing them for careers in landscaping, farm, ranch, and greenhouse management, and nursery operations. With flexible options, starting at a certificate level, all the way to a two-year degree, graduates are well-positioned to enter Idaho’s growing horticulture industry.
Industry leaders recognize the impact of CWI’s program in developing skilled professionals. Jacqueline Correnti, Education and Outreach Specialist for the Idaho Nursery & Landscape Association, highlights the program’s growing influence. “The new Agricultural Sciences Complex is a perfect example of how CWI continues to enhance its programs, especially in agriculture and horticulture,” she said. “With on-site fields, barns, and experimental labs, students will gain real-world experience, making them more competitive and better prepared for employment in a variety of allied fields.” As a CWI graduate, Correnti speaks from first-hand experience.
Cultivating Results
For O’Neill, the support from faculty and fellow students has been instrumental in her success. She acknowledges the initial challenge of returning to school but emphasizes how the program’s community helped her transition. “I had to be patient with myself as I learned the CWI system and adapted to student life again. The instructors do their very best to help students succeed, regardless of their situation,” she said.
Her dedication to learning is already yielding results. “I feel like the knowledge I’ve gained at CWI has been my biggest accomplishment,” O’Neill said. “I’ve learned about analyzing research, industry trends, best practices, and the importance of community. This program doesn’t just teach horticulture; it teaches us how to be successful in the industry.”
Ripe with Opportunity
Careers in horticulture are abundant, with strong job growth projected in several related fields. Landscaping and groundskeeping workers, for example, have an estimated 1,434 annual openings in Idaho, with a median hourly wage of $16.77. First-line supervisors of landscaping and groundskeeping workers see a median hourly wage of $22.88 and a projected job growth rate of 22.8% from 2021 to 2031. More detailed data is available on the Horticulture and Agriculture pages. With opportunities in nurseries, greenhouses, and agricultural management, graduates of CWI’s programs have a promising future ahead.
Investment Yields Growth
CWI’s investment in its Horticulture program is evident in its commitment to modern facilities and industry connections. The Agricultural Sciences Complex, set to open in Summer 2025, will offer cutting-edge resources such as greenhouses, experimental labs, and common areas for students to collaborate and grow their expertise. These advancements ensure that students like O’Neill have access to the latest tools and knowledge to thrive in their careers.
As she continues toward her goal of completing the program, O’Neill remains confident in her future. While she is not currently working in the field, she has no doubt that opportunities will arise upon graduation. “Be committed to the program and you will succeed,” she advises future students. “It takes hard work, but it’s worth it. Ask for guidance, embrace the journey, and enjoy the experience.”
With the support of CWI’s dedicated faculty, industry partnerships, and state-of-the-art facilities, students like Robin O’Neill are gaining more than an education — they are building careers and connecting with future employers in a thriving industry.
Regardless of age, life stage, education, or career, explore the opportunities that CWI provides for those excited to grow.
Mental Health First Aid: Time to Recertify?
At College of Western Idaho (CWI), we strive to create an environment where mental health is valued as much as physical health. Our deepest thanks go out to the CWI employees who have already taken advantage of the free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training offered at CWI. MHFA can equip you with the skills to recognize and respond to mental health challenges and crises.
Your certification as a Mental Health First Aider is valid for 3 years. To help ensure that the valuable lessons from MHFA last a lifetime, First Aiders who completed the Adult MHFA course three or more years ago are encouraged to recertify. This keeps you up to date with the latest insights on mental health and substance use challenges and prepares you to provide support to whoever needs it. MHFA recertification is free for CWI employees.
You have two options to recertify:
- Retake the full-length Adult MHFA course to maintain your certification as a Mental Health First Aider. This option will give you the same in-depth experience you had for your initial certification. You can find and register for a full length course on the CWI MHFA Eventbrite page.
- Take the online “First Aider Recertification” course that includes a refresher on the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE), recognizing when a person needs MHFA, and how to apply ALGEE when providing aid. This course is self-paced and takes about an hour.
If you are interested in the online First Aider Recertification course, please complete this form to receive purchasing instructions.
If you have not taken Mental Health First Aid yet, don't wait — visit our Eventbrite page today! You can sign-up on your own or contact us to schedule training for your team.
Together, we can continue to build a campus culture of caring!
P.S. If you are interested in becoming a Mental Health First Aid Instructor let us know!
Giving Tree Results: Your Generosity Made A Difference!
During the Fall 2024 semester, a range of College of Western Idaho (CWI) organizations, including the Psychology Club, Psi Beta, Student Nurses Association, Social Work Club, Business Program, and Campus Safety and Security partnered with CASA of Southwest Idaho, an independent non-profit organization representing the best interests of children in foster care, to conduct the Giving Tree toy drive. The CWI community's active participation led to an impressive collection of over 400 presents as well as $300 worth of gift cards, and we want to share our thanks with the CWI community.
Stephanie Mitchell, Grant & Gift Manager with CASA of Southwest Idaho, echoed this appreciation. “We express our deepest gratitude to the College of Western Idaho community for their generous donations of striking and stimulating gifts for the local children who have suffered abuse, neglect, or abandonment and are subsequently placed in the foster care system. As a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), we are privileged to champion the best interests of each child throughout their child protection proceedings. Armed with your contributions, we ensured that the children under our care received an age-suitable Christmas present - something novel they can claim as their own. Your assistance enabled us to sprinkle some Christmas enchantment on these vulnerable local children. We are indebted to you for your collaboration. Thank you, CWI!"
A Surgical Success: How Nichelle Boyce Achieved Her Dreams With CWI
Resilient and determined, Nichelle Boyce, a graduate of College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Surgical Technology program, has turned challenges into opportunities. From teen motherhood to a thriving career, her journey is a testament to perseverance and the power of support in achieving dreams.
Boyce's drive to forge her own path, graduate ahead of schedule, and begin her journey into higher education was discovered as a teenager. At age 15, she discovered she was pregnant — a significant life change at any age, but especially so for one so young. Rather than being daunted and delaying her educational plans, Boyce did the opposite by moving her timeline up and heading off to college early.
A Rocky Beginning
Her first year was marked by rocky challenges — from being a mother amidst thousands of traditional freshman students to two hospital visits during final exams week — resulting in an incomplete semester and student loan debt.
“It was hard in lots of ways, including with friends. They’d want to go out and do things that I just couldn’t because I needed to be home with my kids,” Boyce said. “In addition to that, the relationship I was in had become very unhealthy. By the time I decided I needed to leave [the university], I had two children.”
Rather than completely giving up, Boyce reoriented and chose to attend CWI — looking back she believes this was the best choice she could have made. Not only did she find high-quality, caring faculty, but tuition was more affordable and access to scholarships and online classes helped her to be flexible.
Another differentiator between CWI and her previous university was the student body, many of whom were also “untraditional,” with differences in age, culture, life experiences, and socioeconomic status. “Because there is such a good mixture of students at CWI, there weren’t cliques like there can be in traditional institutions,” said Boyce. "If someone was struggling, almost everyone was willing to sit down and help them figure it out, and that was true in most of the classes.”
Support & Sacrifice
To make her educational aspirations a reality, Boyce balanced multiple jobs — all while being a single parent. In addition to hard-earned income, help also came in the form of the LTH Don’t Give Up Scholarship. Established by former CWI employee, Nikki Irving, its purpose is to help single parents achieve their dreams of going to college.
Boyce says because of scholarships like this she was able to remain debt-free. “I was able to get to where I wasn’t just surviving, but also even thriving. I could start to clear my mind and focus on being a mom and reaching my goals.”
Her path, however, had never been without sacrifice and her two young children were along for the ride. She remembers telling them, “I know you guys are sick of not being able to do so many things, but we still have a lot of goals to accomplish. How about when I’m done with school, we start saving for a trip to Disneyland?” The kids were all in!
Education Leads to Job Offers
After working through CWI’s Surgical Technology program, it came time for Boyce to start clinical rotations at local hospitals for on-the-job training. “I went to several different hospitals, and every single one of them offered me a job. I was able to start working before I even graduated.”
Now with the job that she had worked so hard for, it also came time to save. To help the kids see how they were progressing towards their Disneyland trip, she printed a simple chart for them to track progress. Every time they saved $100, her children would color in one of several pictured Disney characters.
“The kids kept at it. Finally, we got them all filled in and went to Disney! It was surreal because I never thought I'd be able to take my kids to do something like that,” she said.
For Boyce, another poignant moment came a few months after starting her career as a Surgical Technologist at a Boise hospital. “It took me a while to really comprehend everything that happened. I remember I was sitting there in my living room, and I was like, I can't believe that I can finish my shift, drop the kids off at school, and come to a home that’s ours and where all our stuff is,” said Boyce. “I don't have to worry about anybody hurting us and it feels safe. I feel safe, and I couldn’t believe I’d taken my kids to Disneyland!
Still Dreaming
On the College’s Nampa Campus, construction of the new Health and Sciences Building is well underway as the College expands to meet growing demand. At a ceremony marking the “topping off,” or placement, of the final metal beam, Boyce was invited to attend as an honored guest. Along with her two children, they had an opportunity to sign their names before the beam was lifted by a crane and secured into place. It was a significant moment for program faculty, state and local officials, and students alike, but especially so for the young surgical technologist and her children.
Boyce has long advocated for the education and experience available at CWI. Now, with her natural enthusiasm for surgical technology and the tools she prepares daily for life-saving surgeries — not to mention her gritty tenacity — her story is being featured for the trauma hospital, Saint Alphonsus.
Passionate about continuing to develop her education, her desire to dream big continues; “I’m thinking about going back to school for biomedical or mechanical engineering.” While she contemplates returning to school, hopefully she and her children also get to return to Disneyland.
Interested in a career in healthcare? Investigate opportunities through CWI’s Health Programs.
Explore Your Options Like Never Before with CWI’s New Program Search
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is revolutionizing the way students explore educational opportunities with the launch of a new program search tool on cwi.edu. Designed to empower students and simplify their journey, enhanced search features will be a game-changer in connecting students with their future.
Developed in collaboration with a leading higher education search platform vendor and shaped by valuable input from stakeholders, program search brings innovation and precision to the digital experience to ensure students have access to a streamlined, personalized, and efficient way to find programs that align with their goals.
An Intuitive, Student-Centered Experience
Program search’s intuitive, student-focused design makes finding the perfect program effortless.
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Students can explore by program, interest, or pathway and refine their search using filters tailored to their individual preferences, including degree or certificate type, program length, transferability, and course delivery style. Whether students know exactly what they want to study or are exploring their options, the tool adapts to meet their needs.
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Dynamic search capabilities continuously improve and personalize results, ensuring every user finds information relevant to their unique journey. This is more than a search tool — it’s a personalized guide to educational discovery.
Guided Pathways for Success
As an upgrade to the previous Programs & Degrees page, program search introduces expanded features, including academic and career pathways.
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These pathways group related programs together, helping students uncover connections between their interests and future careers.
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Each pathway is complemented by dedicated landing pages that showcase similar programs, offering deeper insights and a clearer roadmap for students to follow.
Experience the future of academic exploration with CWI’s new program search. Try it today to see how it can elevate your journey! For questions or feedback, please email communications@cwi.edu.
Beat the Winter Chill: Heating Assistance Available at CWI in partnership with WICAP
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is committed to supporting its community through meaningful partnerships and initiatives. This winter, 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 on campus at two locations:
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Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC)
Tuesday, Feb. 4
9 a.m. – noon
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Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN)
Wednesday, Feb. 5
9 a.m. – noon
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
Walk-ins are welcome, appointments are available for added convenience and can be scheduled through the CWI Food Pantry by emailing cwifoodpantry@cwi.edu or using YouCanBookMe.
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 the CWI Food Pantry or visit the WICAP website.
CWI Entrepreneur Lab Kicks Off Spring 2025 with Exciting Events
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Entrepreneur Lab is kicking off the 2025 spring semester with a series of inspiring events designed to ignite entrepreneurial passion and equip participants with the tools needed to succeed. Whether you’re exploring the world of entrepreneurship for the first time or looking to expand your skills, February is packed with opportunities tailored for everyone.
With two incredible events scheduled, and available virtually, you can join the action from wherever you are. For more information or to sign up for these events, visit the Entrepreneur Lab. Don’t miss your chance to explore, connect, and take your ideas to the next level. Bring your curiosity, creativity, and big ideas — CWI will provide the rest, including the pizza!
Here’s what’s coming up at the Entrepreneur Lab:
First Steps
Friday, Feb. 7
3 – 4 p.m.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NCAB), 100B
This monthly session lays the foundation for turning ideas into reality. Whether you are curious about starting a business or ready to take the leap, this event will inspire you to take your first steps.
Speakers Jimmie and Sheryl Wisler, owners of International Minute Press in Nampa, will share their entrepreneurial journey. Since purchasing their print shop in 2021, they have grown the business by an impressive 70%. With backgrounds in operations, marketing, and management, their story is one of persistence and success, packed with insights to motivate your entrepreneurial aspirations.
Business Basics
Friday, Feb. 14
Noon – 1 p.m.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NCAB), 100B
For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build a solid foundation, this session is all about mastering the essentials. From business setup to record keeping and tax filing, guest speaker Joe Welker will guide you through the key strategies to help your business run smoothly.
This is your chance to gain actionable advice to ensure your entrepreneurial journey gets off to the right start.
Entrepreneur Lab Showcase & Competition
Thursday, April 24
2 – 7 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB)
CWI’s Entrepreneur Lab is joining the annual Connection Project, providing participants the chance to present their business ideas, gain valuable exposure, and compete for prize money. Request your spot now to be included! This dynamic event is the perfect opportunity to showcase your creativity, connect with other innovators, and take significant steps toward achieving your entrepreneurial dreams.
If you have any questions or need further information, reach out to entrepreneurlab@cwi.edu.
Ordering Promo Items Just Got Easier
College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Marketing department is working to empower departments to reach out directly to vendors for promotional item orders. To help uphold the College's brand, and allow departments to collaborate with vendors more easily, Marketing has created the CWI Logo Usage Guide for Vendors along with a useful list of approved those companies that CWI works with. All this information can be found for ongoing reference under Employee Resources > Communications & Marketing on my.cwi.edu.
PLEASE NOTE:
- As a standard practice, Marketing works directly with vendors regarding the sending and use of CWI logo files and does not share these design files internally.
- Marketing will still need to be involved in the review and approval process for items requested by departments (see more details on the order workflow in the Usage Guide).
- At this time, this guide is exclusive to our Institutional brand. Coming soon will be a supplemental guide for our new mascot, the Otter. If you want to include the Otter before Marketing sends the guide and assets to vendors, you will need provide details about the item (color, imprint size, imprint colors, etc.) to Marketing in order to send the vendor appropriate file(s).
Don't hesitate to reach out to communications@cwi.edu if you have any questions.
Mindfulness Mondays this Spring on Campus
Take a break from your studies, connect with fellow students, and discover the power of yoga at College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Mindfulness Mondays led by experienced instructors from 2C Yoga, a renowned local yoga studio. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to yoga, Mindfulness Mondays offer a supportive space for everyone to thrive.
Mindfulness Mondays are open to all CWI students, and there's no need to worry about bringing a mat — we've got you covered. These drop-in sessions are hosted nearly weekly so you can join any week that fits your schedule and experience the benefits of yoga in a welcoming environment.
Mindfulness Mondays with 2C Yoga
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB)
Student Lounge, Room 122
Noon – 1 p.m.
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
| Jan 27 | Feb 3 | Mar 3 | Apr 7 | May 5 |
| Feb 10 | Mar 10 | Apr 14 | ||
| Feb 24 | Mar 17 | Apr 21 | ||
| Mar 31 | Apr 28 |
Thanks to our Student Engagement office for partnering with 2C Yoga and for providing this time for you to focus on your overall well-being.
