CWI News – June 28, 2024
In the Spotlight
To build out a new in-house division for refrigeration installation, the national construction company ESI has turned to CWI for critical employee training.
President's Message
As we enter the final month of the summer semester, I want to thank all our faculty and staff for your hard work. Your efforts are clearly making a difference, as evidence by a remarkable 9.8% increase in credit hours delivered during the semester.
We had a great week on campus as we hosted more than 90 middle school students for Micron’s Chip Camp. This was the second year Micron’s Chip Camp has been at CWI, and it’s inspiring to have the students at the College, many from rural school districts, participating in this experiential STEM learning. I also appreciate the faculty and staff who supported Chip Camp, along with our partners from Micron to make it a successful event.
As we continue to engage and support our community, I am excited to announce we are hosting the Lactalis Twilight Criterium Kickoff Kids Bike Rodeo at the Micron Education Center from 6 – 8 p.m. on Friday. The event will feature bike safety stations, obstacle courses, and professional team riders will be greeting participants. It's a fantastic opportunity to come together, enjoy the outdoors, and learn valuable safety tips.
Again, I thank you for your dedication and determination to serve our students and community. I hope you all have a great weekend!
Respectfully,
News Highlights
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.”
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.
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 fun and engaging summer camp that helps kids level up their technology skills, but spots are filling up fast. Here are the details you need to know!
Cyber Summer Camp
Dates: June 23 – 27
Times: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), Room 1425
Cost: $200/per student, grades 7 – 12 (scholarships available)
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.
For additional information about CWI summer camps, contact Kae Jensen at 208.562.3336 or kaejensen@cwi.edu.