CWI News – July 12, 2024
News Highlights
Hard Work Goes a Long Way for New AI Fellowship Winner
Two distinguished professors in Idaho have the honor of being the inaugural recipients of a new fellowship program by the Idaho State Board of Education. One of them, Liza Long, is the Assistant Professor of English at the College of Western Idaho (CWI). The fellowship’s mission is to encourage partnership and increase comprehension of how generative artificial intelligence (AI) can be applied in higher education.
Known for her influence on generative AI in higher education both within Idaho and across the nation, Long has a wealth of knowledge in general education, faculty development, and teaching and writing.
The Board’s Generative AI in Higher Education program gifts each professor a $15,000 stipend. This funding empowers them to lead statewide on generative AI during the upcoming academic year. Besides attending relevant conferences and pursuing research on generative AI, the fellows will also deliver statewide professional development to peers. They will work together with Board staff to augment the Statewide Generative AI Alliance, a higher education network launched by the Office of the State Board of Education the previous year.
“We hear so much about generative AI and how it can be used to create various forms of content both authentic and fake,” Board President Dr. Linda Clark said. “It’s hard to imagine how this technology will affect higher education now and in future years.” The Generative AI in Higher Education fellowships are designed to generate better understanding and formulate Board policies to ensure ethical and beneficial use of this technology on Idaho’s college and campus universities.”
This initiative puts Idaho at the cutting edge of investigating and leveraging the potential of generative AI in higher education, while considering data privacy issues, access concerns, and practical applications.
Holding an Ed.D. in organizational leadership and a B.A. and M.A. in Classics, Long has taught English and humanities at the collegiate level for several years, driven by her belief in the transformative power of education.
Long said, “Creating the space where I can support students’ authentic learning and growth is one of the most important things I can do as an educator.”
In her role as an English instructor, Long brings a practical approach to teaching written communication, and is an advocate for incorporating AI as an additional tool. In her English 102 course, she encourages students to use the language of their major in their writing assignments. In this way, students not only get iterative practice in writing, but they are honing skills specific to their chosen field of study.
Over 35 higher education professionals from all eight Idaho public institutions applied for the fellowships.
ESI turns to CWI To Level-Up Refrigeration Workers in Strategic Partnership
Engineered Structures, Inc. (ESI), a large construction company based in Meridian, has partnered with College of Western Idaho (CWI) to provide a Commercial Refrigeration Bootcamp for their employees.
The Commercial Refrigeration Bootcamp took place from March 4 – June 28 and included a combination of online learning and a 2-week in-person brazing and refrigeration case installation lab at CWI’s Canyon County Center (CYNC).
ESI constructs and builds out larger grocery stores across the country — including Boise-headquartered Winco Foods — and is building an in-house division to handle refrigeration installation.
To meet this ambitious initiative, the company needs to train employees — workers who are already qualified construction technicians — into commercial refrigeration technician positions, but lacks the in-house facility, teachers, and curriculum. To achieve their goal, ESI turned to CWI.
“We are focusing on building good work habits and producing technicians that can be productive on day one at the job site,” said CWI’s Commercial Refrigeration instructor, Carlos Lamas, when asked about the purpose of the training.
8 ESI employees started the Bootcamp in March via an online BlackBoard course that includes:
- Brazing and Workplace Safety
- Effective Communications and Customer Service
- Refrigerant Line Brazing Tools
- Refrigeration Case Support and Drainage Systems
- Brazing Basics
- EPA 608 Exam Prep and Certification
The EPA 608 Certification is a valuable industry certification that demonstrates an HVAC Technician has the skills and knowledge to safely handle refrigerants. The certification also ensures those working with refrigerants comply with environmental laws that protect the atmosphere from harmful emissions.
“The students are learning to work safely around other people and on different job sites with brazing torches in what can be considered a hazardous working environment,” said Jerry Stafford, CWI’s HVAC Program Coordinator.
ESI’s employees were sent by the company from job sites around the region to CWI’s HVAC Lab at the Canyon County Center for a two-week brazing and refrigeration case installation lab. They were able to learn foundational skills in an intensive hands-on environment which will be utilized almost immediately.
Two of the ESI employees are father and son. “This is one of the better if not best trainings I’ve been to. The instructors are easy to talk to and easy to understand. It’s giving me a steppingstone for the future,” said Chuck Evans.
CJ Evans, Chuck’s son, said, “Working with the refrigeration case hands-on was the best part of the training, especially when you have teachers that have been in the field and can share their experience with you. They never talked down to us but were eager to pass on what they know so we can be successful in our jobs.”
ESI leadership have been engaged from day-one, actively promoting the CWI partnership and donating a used refrigeration case and two scissor lifts, as both organizations collaborate to level-up workers in this key business growth area.
From software to high-tech certifications, companies are partnering with CWI to train employees and achieve their goals. Visit our Workforce Development & Training page to learn more.
Inspired by Role Models, Alex Duran Aims to Pay it Forward
Our paths in life are often illuminated by others, whether they be a parent, friend, or professor. It’s those “a-ha!” moments that inspire us, and for Alex Duran, first-generation college and Honors program student at College of Western Idaho (CWI), one such moment came in fifth grade.
“I used to hate school and it was something I really struggled with until, when I was 11, my teacher took the time to help me find a love for learning. Since then, I've been very lucky to have amazing teachers that continue to encourage and inspire me,” Duran said.
Recognizing the impact of role models, Duran hopes to be an example for family members by forging new paths as the first college attendee.
Deciding to start college was a journey of self-discovery. “As a first-generation student, my parents instilled the value of education in me,” said Duran. “There was a time that I doubted if college was truly the right fit. I had to stop and take the time to evaluate what my goals were, and through that process came to realize the significance that a college education would be to achieving those goals.
Enrolled in the Business program at CWI and focusing on accounting, Duran’s goal is to obtain a CPA and work as a managerial accountant. Ultimately, Alex hopes to establish both an accounting firm and dance studio.
“Something I am very passionate about is teaching,” Duran said. “I was a dancer for 11 years and over the past two years have been a dance teacher. I love making connections with families and seeing my students get their ‘lightbulb moment.’ My found passion for teaching has ignited a dream of owning a dance studio."
Duran’s choice to attend CWI was influenced by factors including affordability, proximity to home, and small class sizes, but was ultimately motivated by the sense of belonging found within the Latinx community.
"Growing up in a predominantly white high school, I often felt isolated and out of place. It was challenging to connect with others who shared my background and experiences,” Duran said. “CWI's Latinx Scholarship caught my attention, offering not only financial support but also the promise of a community where I could find belonging and understanding. The prospect of being part of that community was something I eagerly anticipated.”
As a proud recipient of the CWI Latinx Scholarship, CWI Scholarship, and Institute for Mexicans Abroad Fellowship Scholarship, Alex is able to enjoy a degree of financial freedom and further prioritize education. Membership in Beta Sigma Pi, CWI’s chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, has enabled Duran to make friends with other members and faculty — all while striving for academic excellence, promoting scholarship and service, and developing leaders.
“My experiences at CWI have been impactful. Participating in clubs like Queers and Allies and projects like the Latinx Panel have helped me connect with like-minded individuals and contribute to the community,” said Duran. “Additionally, instructors like Honors Program Coordinator Michal Yadlin and Accounting Professor Joe Welker have made lasting impressions on my education, providing valuable support and guidance.”
“Because of CWI, I feel more confident in my future. CWI has empowered me to take control of my education and future, allowing me to make decisions that are right for me. Through CWI, I have gained more self-confidence, realizing that I am capable of succeeding.”
Don’t Wait! Register Now for CWI Summer Camps
Do you have a middle or high school student that’s passionate about computing, cybersecurity, and STEM? College of Western Idaho (CWI) has a range of fun and engaging summer camps that help kids level up their technology skills, but spots are filling up fast. Here are the details you need to know!
Micron Chip Camp
Dates: June 24 – 26
Time: 9 a.m – 3 p.m.
Location: Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC)
Age(s): Students in Grades 6 and 7
Cost: Free — breakfast, lunch and snacks provided
Sponsored by the Micron Foundation, Chip Camp is a no-cost day camp filled with hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities so students can see and experience what engineers and scientists do at a semiconductor company.
You can find more about Micron's global Chip Camp program by visiting Micron.
Cyber Summer Camp
Dates: July 22 – 26
Time: 9 a.m – 3 p.m.
Location: Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), room 1425
Age(s): High school
Cost: $200 per student
This week-long, daytime event is aimed at teaching high school students the basics of computing, cybersecurity, and information technology through a hands-on, fun, and engaging experience. Students will learn about CWI Dual Credit opportunities, Cyber Blue Teams, operating systems, gamified cybersecurity education, and computer hardware.
Raspberry Pi Summer Camp
Option 1: July 8 – 12
Option 2: July 15 – 19
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), Room 1425
Age(s): High school
Cost: $200 per student
The week-long event is aimed at high school students and will be focused on teaching the basics of computing and cybersecurity through hands-on experience using Raspberry Pi's. Students will learn how to build a Raspberry Pi and about Programming, Circuit Design, and Cyber-Physical Systems.
Raspberry Pi Summer Camp – Option 1 Raspberry Pi Summer Camp – Option 2
For additional information about CWI summer camps, contact Sara Hoyt, Cyber Defense Center Director at sarahoyt@cwi.edu or 208.562.2553.
