CWI News – June 2, 2023
News Highlights
College of Western Idaho Expands in Nampa
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is excited to announce new buildings and facilities on our main Nampa Campus, enhancing opportunities for the more than 30,000 students we serve. The investment in new infrastructure in Nampa will expand CWI’s presence significantly — supporting students and the community. The expansion projects include:
- Health & Sciences Building: This new 45,000 square-foot building will consolidate several programs to our Nampa campus, providing ease of access for students. This will be Phase I of this project and serve many of CWI’s most in-demand programs including nursing, biology, and medical assistant.
- Student Learning Hub: This 35,000 square-foot facility is Phase I, and positions CWI as a destination for employers and community to engage students in a central location. Additionally, the building will be the home to several resources to support student success.
- Agricultural Science and Horticulture Buildings: The new agricultural science and horticulture buildings will have over 30,000 square feet of classroom, lab, greenhouse and shop spaces. Phase I of this project will include an orchard and plots for production to provide students with hands-on learning experiences.
“CWI is expanding our main campus in Nampa to increase the delivery of practical skills and education that our students want and our community needs,” said CWI President Gordon Jones.
“CWI is an incredibly important asset to the Treasure Valley, providing the needed skillsets to students of all ages,” said Nampa Mayor Debbie Kling. “I’m so excited to see the continued investment at the Nampa Campus.”
The College has partnered with local companies, ESI and Cushing Terrell, for the new buildings on the Nampa Campus. The Health and Sciences Building, as well as the Agricultural Science and Horticulture buildings, are planned to open for classes in the Fall 2025. These projects are the first phase of CWI’s Nampa Campus expansion, with new buildings and services to follow soon. The Student Learning Hub will open in the Fall 2026. For more information and to stay up to date about the College’s future plans for growth, visit CWI’s website.
Building Her Confidence Through Education
College of Western Idaho (CWI) student, Maganne Akins, is riding a high after walking in the 2023 Commencement Ceremony! The 17-year-old passed the General Education Development (GED) exam to earn her GED credential — a year earlier than most of her former high school classmates.
Akins is thrilled to be returning to college in the fall, this time as a Psychology student. However, her journey to reach this point in her educational career was not always a smooth one.
Prior to CWI, Akins was an honor student and a competitive soccer player in high school. However, a severe chronic illness at the beginning of her sophomore year prevented her from attending classes, participating in extracurricular activities, and even taking on schoolwork for 18 months. Because of her continued absences, Akins was eventually told she would no longer be able to remain enrolled at her high school.
“I was angry, and I felt cheated,” Akins said. “I was an honor student and had planned my high school years since I was 6. I was expecting to attend advanced placement and honors classes to receive Dual Credit, an opportunity I lost. I was heartbroken. I felt completely blindsided by their decision to withdraw me. I was entirely alienated from my class.”
However, Akins knew she could not stay down for too long. She still had plans to one day attend college, so she knew she had to resume her education to one day make that dream become a reality. After doing some research, she learned more about earning a GED and how it is the equivalent of earning a high school diploma. Thus, her CWI journey began!
Akins enrolled in the College’s Adult Education program and started taking GED preparation courses. She was still in a recovery period when she began, so she wanted to start this new venture gently. Luckily with a supportive staff system and an independent study option, she was able to begin on the right foot and on her own terms.
“Independent study allowed me to work when I felt well and rest when I was tired. The Adult Education employees helped me with finding GED study books and online resources, and always reassured me. Without them, I would have had no idea how to go about earning a GED.”
“Maganne is bright, driven, and resilient,” said Adult Education Supervisor, Trevi Hardy. “Adult Education provided her a new, accessible pathway toward her goal of attaining a secondary credential while reminding those of us of who work in Adult Education how critical this program is. We provide the framework and tools for students to continue their educational pathway, but students do the work. I’m inspired every day by their efforts and successes. I’m very excited to see what comes next for Maganne!”
Now with a GED completion certificate in hand, Akins said it is a surreal experience to have finished high school education early. For a long time, she felt the only option she may have would be to graduate a year later than her class.
“I already felt so alone and the idea of having all my classmates move on without me was devastating.”
But thanks to CWI, Akins is now the one taking college courses as her former class finishes their senior year. She chose to continue her education at CWI so she can stay in the Treasure Valley for at least a year as her friends complete high school.
Akins’ CWI journey has helped her regain confidence in her academic ability, move on past a hard time in life, and begin to focus on the next step in her education.
“CWI gave me the power to control my own education.”
For those with questions or interested in learning more about CWI’s Adult Education and GED Preparation course, visit the Adult Education program page or contact Trevi Hardy at trevihardy@cwi.edu.
Horticulture Club Gets a Taste of the Farming Business
When it comes to running an agriculture business, a lot goes into making one successful, and there are many paths to pursue, like running a vineyard, a livestock farm, a flower farm, and more! College of Western Idaho (CWI) Horticulture Club students took a day-long tour of the many different farms in Canyon County to learn the best practices and tools to run a successful agriculture business.
CWI Agricultural Science students and faculty kicked off the day bright and early at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 6, over at Lovely Hollow Fresh Cut Farms in Caldwell, where they heard from the owners about how to start a flower farm, learned about the work that goes into the business, and how agritourism helps grow successful businesses. During the visit, students were able to enjoy complimentary muffins and juice from the farm.
Students and faculty then drove to Huston Vineyards in Caldwell to learn about growing wine grapes in the Snake River Valley, why the area's soil is great for growing, and how to harvest and turn wine grapes into a tasty wine. To finish the site visit, students learned more about fermentation and took part in a tasting experience.
Horticulture Club then moved over to Peaceful Belly Farms in Caldwell where they enjoyed a lunch prepared on the farm while learning about their business as it relates to community-supported agriculture, cider, worm composting, pollinator education, and small-scale livestock production.
After a tasty lunch, students and faculty shifted over to Cherry Hill Orchards in Caldwell to visit their fruit trees and small storefront for customers. Students learned about the farm's business practices and techniques to get people to visit them, like putting on a corn maze and pumpkin patch in the fall.
The tour's last stop was McIntyre Pastures in Caldwell where the Club was introduced to the farm's rotational grazing practices, methods of covering crops, raising chickens, cattle, and hogs. Students then had the chance to help collect eggs, which then were sold in McIntyre Pastures' farm store.
"We had 18 students attend for the day and they left feeling like they had a vast appreciation for what farmers and horticulturists are doing in Canyon County," said CWI Agriculture Science Department Chair, Andrea Schumaker.
For those interested in joining or in need of more information about CWI Horticulture Club, please contact Dan Schults at danschults@cwi.edu.
Trades and Manufacturing Career and Job Fair
Calling all skilled workers, technicians, and tradespeople! Idaho Department of Labor and College of Western Idaho (CWI) are teaming up to host a Trades and Manufacturing Fair for those looking for opportunities in the trades and manufacturing industries Tuesday, June 20.
Participating Employers:
- Amalgamated Sugar
- Caldwell Transportation Company
- City of Boise
- City of Caldwell
- CS Beef Packers
- Das-Co
- DZ Grinders, LLC
- Guerdon, LLC
- Nucor Harris Rebar - Boise
- Sorrento Lactalis
- The Stow Company
- Western Heating and Air
- And more!
Idaho Department of Labor will also have personnel information on site for questions on funding services to support Career Technical Education (CTE) programs and academics:
- Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
- Idaho Department of Labor
- Equus Workforce Solutions
CWI Staff will be on hand to support students in the following departments:
- Dual Credit
- Advising
- Department heads and instructors
- Admissions and Enrollment
- Financial Aid
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center
For those with questions or in need of more information about the upcoming career and job fair, please contact CWI’s Work Based Learning Center at wblc@cwi.edu.
CWI and Boise State Host Cyber Summer Camp
Do you know a high school student interested in breaking into the cybersecurity industry? Join College of Western Idaho (CWI) and Boise State University for Cyber Summer Camp on June 26 – 30!
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, how to build a desktop computer, and participate in a capture the flag event at the end.
Register for Cyber Summer Camp
CWI Computer Science and Information Technology faculty and students are needed to assist during these week-long camps, held during the summer. To volunteer, please email cyberdefense@cwi.edu.
Volunteer and Attend a Summer Concert for Free at the Idaho Center!
Want to attend a summer concert at the Ford Idaho Center for free while supporting College of Western Idaho (CWI) students? We have the opportunity for you!
The Idaho Center has partnered with the College to support the CWI Food Pantry program. Food and monetary donations will be collected throughout the Idaho Center’s summer concerts, which spans from Sunday, June 4, through Tuesday, Sept. 26.
The Idaho Center has requested a minimum of two volunteers at each concert. Volunteers will work a two-hour shift to collect and assist guests with food donations onsite or monetarily through the CWI Giving website. After their shift, volunteers get to stay and enjoy the concert — free of charge!
Non-CWI friends and family are welcome to volunteer and enjoy the show, too. The maximum number of volunteers per show is four.
On the day of a volunteer shift, a representative from the Idaho Center will meet with volunteers as they arrive at the venue. More information about shifts will be sent to volunteers after they sign-up.
Volunteer Opportunities and Concert Shows:
Date | Concert | Doors Open | Volunteer Shift |
---|---|---|---|
Sunday, June 4 | Matchbox Twenty | 6:30 p.m. | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. |
Wednesday, June 14 | Dirty Heads | 6 p.m. | 5 – 7 p.m. |
Thursday, June 15 |
Barenaked Ladies |
6 p.m. | 5 – 7 p.m. |
Friday, June 23 |
Concierto de Estrellas |
6 p.m. | 5 – 7 p.m. |
Saturday, July 8 |
Slightly Stoopid and Sublime |
4 p.m. | 3 – 5 p.m. |
Friday, July 14 |
Hank Williams, Jr. |
6 p.m. | 5 – 7 p.m. |
Wednesday, July 26 |
X-Fest |
5:30 p.m. | 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. |
Thursday, July 27 |
Train |
7 p.m. | 6 – 8 p.m. |
Friday, July 28 |
Rain |
6:30 p.m. |
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. |
Saturday, July 29 |
Parker McCollum |
6:30 p.m. |
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. |
Tuesday, Aug. 1 |
String Cheese Incident |
6 p.m. | 5 – 7 p.m. |
Saturday, Aug. 5 |
Luke Bryan |
6 p.m. | 5 – 7 p.m. |
Thursday, Aug. 10 |
Dierks Bentley |
6 p.m. | 5 – 7 p.m. |
Saturday, Aug. 12 |
Michael Franti & Spearhead |
6 p.m. | 5 – 7 p.m. |
Monday, Aug. 14 |
Young the Giant |
6 p.m. | 5 – 7 p.m. |
Friday, Aug. 18 |
Godsmack |
6 p.m. | 5 – 7 p.m. |
Monday, Aug. 28 |
Lindsey Stirling |
6:30 p.m. |
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. |
Saturday, Sept. 9 |
Steve Miller Band |
7 p.m. | 6 – 8 p.m. |
Tuesday, Sept. 26 |
Counting Crows |
6 p.m. | 5 – 7 p.m. |
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Jodi Hickenlooper at jodihickenlooper@cwi.edu or Christy Babcock at christybabcock@cwi.edu.
2023 Summer Hours
College of Western Idaho (CWI) campus buildings and One Stop Student Services locations will be operating under special hours during the summer between Monday, May 15, and Friday, Aug. 18.
One Stop Student Services Summer Hours:
Monday – Thursday
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Summer 2023 Building Hours:
Ada County Center Pintail Building
Monday – Thursday
7:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Friday
7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday
Closed
Ada County Center Mallard Building
Monday – Thursday
7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday
7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday
Closed
Ada County Center Quail Building
Monday – Friday
7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday
Closed
Ada County Center Lynx Building
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday
Closed
Monday – Thursday
7:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Friday
7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday
Closed
Nampa Campus Academic Building
Monday
7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Tuesday – Thursday
7:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Friday
7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday
Closed
Nampa Campus Administration Building
Monday – Friday
7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday
Closed
Nampa Campus Aspen Classroom Building
Monday (through June 12)
8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Tuesday – Friday
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday
Closed
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center
Monday – Thursday
7:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Friday
7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday
7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Nampa Campus Multipurpose Building
Monday – Friday
7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday
Closed
Visit Locations & Maps for up-to-date One Stop Student Services and campus building hours.
HR Updates
New Hires
Welcome to the following individuals who are new to the College. We are happy to have you here and look forward to working with you!
- Rama Deen — Integrated Education and Training (IET) and English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher, Adult Education
- Yvonne Petain — Executive Assistant, President's Office
Employment Opportunities
Employees can access Internal Job Postings or visit Careers at CWI to view all external listings. Upon application submission, you will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive an email, check your "Junk/Spam" folder, then email recruiter@cwi.edu to verify receipt of your application.
Note: This is the official communication newsletter for the College. Content is driven by contributions gathered from all areas of CWI. If you have news you would like to submit for this, please use a Marketing Help Desk ticket.