CWI News – March 17, 2023
Spotlight
Nampa School District's Career and Technical Education students from Nampa, Columbia, and Skyview High Schools were treated to a VIP experience at Nampa Campus Micron Education Center. Students were able to tour some of NMEC's program's labs and shops, learn from instructors and students, and talk to admissions — they even got to try out some of the machines and equipment themselves!
We spy many future #mightyCWI faces in this group!
News Highlights
Let’s Get Started — Something New or Something Big
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is excited to share the launch of its new marketing campaign, “Let’s Get Started,” with the CWI community. This campaign aims to grab the attention of potential students; students who are starting out, starting over, or starting something big. The campaign also intends to generate awareness for the opportunities CWI provides and drive enrollment.
Let’s Get Started is the evolution of Go Bold and elevates the College’s fearless spirit to a new level. The journey to a new campaign started with investing in research to better understand purpose and positioning.
Through the research journey, CWI identified its audience’s biggest challenge, beyond cost and time, is to overcome ‘self-doubt’ and believe they can attend college. From there a strategy was developed followed by creative, which sets this campaign apart.
CWI’s key insights in this groundwork helped the College understand the hardest part for our students is choosing to go to college. The “Let’s Get Started” campaign speaks directly with our students, provides them with the encouragement they need to start college, and reassures them of the support they will find at CWI.
CWI SCORES Big at Idaho Steelheads
College of Western Idaho (CWI) took over Idaho Central Arena for the fourth CWI Night this 2022-2023 Idaho Steelheads season in a BOLD way Wednesday, March 15. Nearly 250 CWI group tickets were sold as students, employees, family, friends, the community members came together raising $1,240 for student scholarships — making it one of this season’s biggest CWI Nights!
Wednesday was CWI’s Public Safety night at the Steelheads game. Faculty, staff, and students in Fire Service Technology and Law Enforcement programs were recognized on the ice before the game, as well as Treasure Valley area police departments and sheriff’s offices. Also making an appearance and showing his support on the ice was Idaho Governor Brad Little. Little joined President Gordon Jones and others around the College to kick off the game with a puck drop.
The CWI Enrollment team shared the message of CWI by interacting with current and potential new students, throwing out CWI t-shirts and awarding our CWI hockey jersey to our lucky winner, Betty Jo King! CWI’s new “Let’s Get Started” campaign also was on full display throughout the night on the arena’s screens.
Congratulations to Fire Service Technology student, Benjamin Johnson, who was the night’s $1,000 SCORE Big scholarship winner! Recognized on the ice after the second period, Johnson was awarded a check by President Jones and other College representatives.
Johnson will use the scholarship to continue his pursuit of becoming a structure firefighter and serve his community.
Thank you to all those who supported the College and funded students’ education by attending the Steelheads game throughout the season. This Steelheads season saw more than 800 CWI group tickets sold for all four games.
The fun doesn’t stop at CWI Nights! The College also offers a discounted ticket price of $16 to all Steelheads home games for the 2022-2023 season as part of being the Steelheads’ official education partner.
Be on the lookout for upcoming information about our CWI Night at the Boise Hawks planned for June. Hope to see you there as CWI continues to raise funds to provide student scholarships!
One Stop Hours – Spring Break 2023
College of Western Idaho (CWI) One Stop Student Services locations will be open reduced hours during the week of Spring Break, March 20 – 25.
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.*
*Phone lines are open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed
One Stop Student Services are located at Ada County Center Lynx Building (ALYN), Canyon County Center (CYNC), and Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC).
Campus building hours will operate as normal during Spring Break 2023.
For those with questions about One Stop Student Services operations, please contact onestop@cwi.edu or 208.562.3000.
Health Programs 2023 Application Deadlines
Are you interested in a career in healthcare? College of Western Idaho (CWI) has a variety of Health Science programs available to prepare you for an exciting and rewarding career in this growing industry.
Applications are now open for Summer 2023 and Fall 2023 semesters. Applications must be submitted by the deadlines. Visit individual program pages linked below for information, application instructions specific to each program, and assistance.
SPECIAL PROGRAM APPLICATIONS
Summer 2023 Start
- Surgical Technology – Nov. 1 to April 7
Fall 2023 Start
- Professional Nursing – Feb. 13 to May 19
- Occupational Therapy Assistant – March 1 to April 30
- Physical Therapist Assistant – March 27 to May 18
Have questions or need help?
- Contact your Student Advisor.
- Visit CWI's Health Sciences page for more information and program contact information.
- Attend a Virtual Healthcare Information Session.
Healthcare Career Opportunities
Careers in the healthcare field have some of the greatest need as our communities continue to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 2 million new jobs over the decade. In addition to new jobs from growth, opportunities arise from the need to replace workers who leave their occupations permanently. About 1.9 million openings each year, on average, are projected to come from growth and replacement needs.”
Bank of Idaho‘s Swing for the Green Raises $58,400 for Scholarships
Bank of Idaho’s Swing for the Green Charity Golf Tournament Series benefiting College of Western Idaho (CWI) was a huge success, as the event raised $58,400 to support student scholarships. This incredible sum was made possible through the generosity of Idaho businesses, leaders, and community members and will be used to support the College's ongoing mission to provide affordable, high-quality education to students in the State of Idaho.
CWI awards close to 300 student scholarships each academic year, totaling nearly $500,000. This contribution will make a significant impact on students both inside and outside the classroom.
“Thanks to Bank of Idaho for recognizing the value CWI brings to the community, and we celebrate their partnership through Swing for the Green in support of our students,” said CWI President Gordon Jones. “These scholarship funds will help students to pursue career opportunities that will empower our community.”
The 30-team tournament, which took place on Sept. 15 and 16, 2022, at Banbury Golf Club in Eagle, brought people together from across the Treasure Valley to compete in a friendly and spirited competition, all while raising money to support student’s education.
Bank of Idaho established the Swing for the Green tournament series in 2018, and over the first four years contributed nearly $100,000 to the College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) and Idaho State University (ISU). CWI is proud to be part of the Bank’s investment in community and education.
"Investing in education is an investment in the future of our community. We are proud to support the College of Western Idaho Foundation and their mission to provide scholarships for deserving students,” said Bank of Idaho Chairman, President, and CEO, Jeff Newgard. “At Bank of Idaho, we believe in empowering the next generation to achieve their dreams and reach their full potential. This donation is a testament to our commitment to supporting education and creating a brighter future for Idaho."
The nearly $60,000 donation will go into CWI's general scholarship fund, which is a pool of funds made up of non-designated gifts to the CWI Foundation. Scholarships from this fund are awarded to students based on requirements set by the College and are not limited to a specific donor or donor's wishes.
Serving more than 30,000 students each year, CWI is fueling the economy with educated and highly-skilled employees. The competitive edge students develop through education and hands-on training helps advance the local and global workforce. This support from Bank of Idaho and those who participated in the golf tournament ensures CWI continues to meet the needs of students, industry, and our community.
“On behalf of the CWI Foundation board, we express our gratitude for the generous scholarship donation made by the Bank of Idaho,” said CWI Foundation Board President, Mike Peña. “We are very appreciative of their dedicated efforts towards the success of the first Swing for The Green fundraising event, which achieved remarkable results. The Foundation is looking forward to working with the Bank of Idaho on this yearly event, with the shared goal of reaching new heights in scholarship funding.
For more information on how to support CWI scholarships and make an investment in students’ education, contact the CWI Foundation at foundation@cwi.edu.
Nominations Open for 2023 Student Leadership Awards
Nominations for College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Student Leadership Awards are now open! These awards seek to recognize the achievements of outstanding student leaders on campus for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to CWI and the community. Through this award, CWI hopes to reward and celebrate inspiring individuals who have made a meaningful impact on campus life and created a lasting legacy.
This year’s awards are:
- Club of the Year Award — This award is presented to an organization that has demonstrated excellence in all areas of community engagement, collaboration, diversity and inclusion, and leadership development.
- Student Organization Advisor of the Year Award — This award recognizes an advisor who has excelled in providing support and assistance to a club/organization. The recipient has devoted time and service that has played a key role in the organization’s success.
- Social Program of the Year Award — This award recognizes a program/event(s) that has contributed to a sense of community on campus and encouraged students to come together and meaningfully engage with one another and/or the Ada County/Canyon County communities.
- Community Service Program of the Year Award — This award recognizes a program that has engaged students through service while encouraging them to selflessly serve beyond this one experience.
- Outstanding Officer/Representative of the Year Award —This award recognizes a student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout their term of office and has enhanced participation and involvement within their organization, the campus, and the community.
- Quiet Influence Award —This award recognizes an individual who has contributed to their organization or club and campus community in a meaningful yet behind-the-scenes way.
- Rising Leadership Award — This award will honor a first-year student who does not need a title to fill a leadership role. Throughout the school year, this student has shown a new-found commitment to serve the CWI campus and community side by side with the elected student leaders and administration of the campus. This student can be found helping to complete any task needed while helping to model the core values and mission of the College. The student shows promise in continuing to exemplify growth and development as a leader.
- Trailblazing Leadership Award — This award will recognize a second-year or graduating student leader who has engaged themselves in a significant leadership role on campus. The Trailblazing Leadership Award includes those students who have come to CWI with leadership experience or have developed leadership skills through the many opportunities the campus offers. Through their involvement, recipients of the Trailblazing Leadership Award have shown ambitions to improve campus life and strengthen the Treasure Valley community.
Nominations will remain open through Tuesday, March 28. Award recipients will be announced at the 2023 Student Leadership Banquet on Friday, April 21, at the Hispanic Cultural Center of Idaho.
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Sitlaly Hernandez at sitlalyescamilla@cwi.edu.
CWI Partners with Storyfort to Present Various Events
Storyfort and College of Western Idaho (CWI) have partnered to present various events for students and community members featuring various writers hosting readings, workshops, and Q & A sessions.
Storyfort Visiting Writer
Wednesday, March 15
1 p.m.
Ada County Center Mallard Building (AMAL), Room 1108
CWI presents Storyfort visiting writer, Christian Winn, who will present a craft talk on the art of short fiction, offer a short reading of their own writing, and engage participants in writing exercises.
Storyfort Microfiction Contest
Friday, March 24
Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Ochos
CWI presents Adam O' Davis, Grant Faulkner, and the three winning stories from the Storyfort Microfiction Contest read aloud, live by the winners themselves.
The Novel Life
Friday, March 24
2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Ochos
Join the frenetic and amazingly talented Sean Thor Conroe for a reading and rousing discussion of one of his novels.
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Dave Nicholas at davenicholas@cwi.edu.
Spring 2023 Job & Career Fair
Looking for employment? Join College of Western Idaho March 29 and 30 for the Spring 2023 Job & Career Fair to meet with employers from across the Treasure Valley who are ready to put your skills to work! Employers are looking for office managers, CNAs, social workers, construction workers, equipment operators, mechanics, and more.
Wednesday, March 29
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building
Employers:
- AAROW of Idaho, PLLC
- Ada County Sheriff's Office
- Centurion
- City of Caldwell
- Commercial Tire
- Easterseals-Goodwill Northern Rocky Mountain
- Edgewood Healthcare Assisted Living
- GoGo SqueeZ
- HDR
- Home Instead Boise 707
- Idaho Air National Guard Recruiting Office
- Idaho Arts Charter School
- Idaho Central Credit Union
- Idaho Community Health Center Assoc.
- Idaho Democratic Party
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
- Idaho Division of Veterans Services
- Idaho State Tax Commission
- Idaho Transportation Department
- On Demand Solutions Inc.
- Personnel Plus Inc.
- Piedmont Airlines
- Saint Alphonsus
- Shaw Mountain of Cascadia
- The Key
- The Sherwin-Williams Company
- Treasure Valley Family YMCA
- Valley County
- Vibra Hospital of Boise
- and MORE!
Thursday, March 30
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building
Employers:
- AAROW of Idaho, PLLC
- Ada County Sheriff's Office
- Boise State University
- Boise State University Human Resource Services
- Centurion
- Easterseals-Goodwill Northern Rocky Mountain
- Idaho Air National Guard Recruiting Office
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
- On Demand Solutions Inc.
- Piedmont Airlines
- Saint Alphonsus
- Shaw Mountain of Cascadia
- The Sherwin-Williams Company
- Treasure Valley Family YMCA
- Vibra Hospital of Boise
For those with questions or in need of more information, contact Center for New Direction Coordinator, Roberto Trinidad, at robertotrinidad@cwi.edu.
Cesar Chavez Blood Drive Challenge
College of Western Idaho (CWI) Latinx Student Services and the American Red Cross are teaming up to host the Cesar Chavez Blood Drive Challenge on Thursday, March 30, in honor of Cesar Chavez Day.
Cesar Chavez Day is a national holiday that celebrates the life and legacy of civil rights activist and labor leader Cesar Chavez, who founded the United Farm Workers of America. The Blood Drive Challenge honors Chavez’s commitment to community service.
“We want to provide a space where students, staff, faculty, and even the community can gift the gift of life,” said CWI Latinx Student Services Coordinator, Bibiana Ramirez.
Cesar Chavez Blood Drive Challenge
Thursday, March 30
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Room 122
Those interested in donating blood are asked to sign up prior to the event. People can schedule a time to donate on the Red Cross webpage using sponsor code: CWI
For those with questions or in need of more information, contact Latinx Student Services coordinators at latinx@cwi.edu.
Latinx Student Services to Host Scholarship and FAFSA Workshops
College of Western Idaho (CWI) Latinx Student Services will host an informational night to help students apply for scholarships and complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms on Thursday, March 30.
CWI Latinx Student Services provides workshops throughout the academic year. This semester they have combined their First-Generation Scholarship and FAFSA Night for Spanish Speakers into one workshop. During the workshop, students will learn helpful hints in writing scholarship essays, applying for CWI scholarships, and completing and submitting their FAFSA forms.
Support in English and Spanish will be available.
Students interested in attending are asked to bring their 2021 tax returns, 2021 W-2s, social security number, and federal student aid ID.
Thursday, March 30
5 – 7 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Room 201
For those with questions or in need of more information, contact Latinx Student Services coordinators at latinx@cwi.edu.
Acing the Interview
Are you ready for your next job interview? If you’re feeling anxious or unsure of how to prepare, College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Work-Based Learning Center has got you covered with their upcoming professional development series, Acing the Interview, presented by Horizon Credit Union. This workshop will give students the skills and knowledge to succeed in their next interview.
The workshop will be led by career professionals who will engage with students to provide useful advice and feedback before they begin their job search. Students will engage with employers, connect to opportunities, and discuss topics such as social media etiquette, practicing common interview questions, and developing interviewing techniques.
Thursday, April 13
Noon – 1 p.m.
Nampa Campus Administration Building (NCAB), second-floor atrium
This event is open to all CWI students. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP, as seating is limited. Lunch and giveaways will be provided.
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact wblc@cwi.edu.
Summer 2024 Registration
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Summer 2024 semester is now open! Summer term is a great way to keep going and get ahead on credits. Registration for new, continuing, and returning students is open and classes begin Monday, June 3.
Summer classes are only eight weeks and earn the same credits as a full Fall or Spring semester class. There are many reasons for taking summer classes including:
- Accelerating your degree: Summer classes can help you complete your degree faster by allowing you to take additional classes in a shorter amount of time.
- Lightening your workload: By taking summer classes, you can spread out your course load over a longer period, making your regular academic semesters less stressful.
- Making up for lost time: If you had to miss a class during the regular academic year due to illness or other reasons, you can use the summer session to make up the course and stay on track.
- Exploring new subjects: Summer classes often offer a wider range of courses, including those outside of your major, allowing you to explore new subjects and interests.
- Improving your GPA: Summer classes typically have smaller class sizes, allowing for more individual attention from your instructor. This can help you better understand the material and improve your grades.
- Getting ahead: By taking summer classes, you can get a head start on your future academic and career goals, allowing you to move forward more quickly.
Important Dates
- Admission Deadline – Saturday, May 25
- Registration Deadline – Friday, May 31
- Classes Start – Monday, June 3
Continuing and Returning Students
Course offerings can be viewed in SelfService which is accessible through the Toolkit on myCWI.
New Students
New to CWI? New, degree and non-degree seeking students need to apply to CWI prior to registering for classes. Visit Applying to CWI for a complete list of steps to get started.
Non-Degree Seeking
- Upon completion of the application process and once accepted to CWI, new, non-degree seeking students can immediately register for classes.
Degree Seeking
- Upon completion of the application process and once accepted to CWI, new, degree-seeking students must participate in New Student Orientation prior to registering for classes.
Financial Aid
Contact Financial Aid at financialaid@cwi.edu to learn more about options available for students in need of financial assistance.
Students are encouraged to contact One Stop Student Services or their Advisor with any questions or concerns. Registration for summer will be open through Friday, June 2.
Tarifa de Yensen Named Staff of the Month for December 2022
Congratulations to English Language Learners (ELL) Lead Tutor, Teresa Tarifa de Yensen, who was named College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Staff of the Month for December 2022!
Tarifa de Yensen’s CWI journey began in July 2021, where she joined Tutoring Services and was asked to help support the Latinx Scholars cohort. She felt it would be a great experience working with students in that program and accepted the position. Part of her role is to work as an embedded tutor in classes and collaborate directly with instructors and students.
One of Tarifa de Yensen’s favorite things about working at CWI is supporting students of various backgrounds and cultures in attaining their educational goals.
“I believe in the role of community colleges in providing affordable and high-quality education to traditional and non-traditional students,” Tarifa de Yensen said.
Originally from the South American country of Bolivia, Tarifa de Yensen studied at the Universidad Mayor de San Andres in the city of La Paz where she earned her master’s degree in Biology. It was during that time at university she was first introduced to a career in education where she worked as an assistant in Biology courses and helped prepare materials for the labs. After her graduation from the university, she continued to work as an educator and researcher.
Throughout her career as an educator, Tarifa de Yensen has been able to work with all ages from pre-kindergarten to adults in college.
“Teaching is a transformative experience for the students and the educator,” Tarifa de Yensen said. “I am honored to be in a position to empower students to accomplish their educational goals and from there to serve our growing community and the country.”
It has been a rewarding experience for Tarifa de Yensen to work alongside CWI’s multilingual and multicultural students. She has been able to have a front row seat to witness students succeed.
Tarifa de Yensen tailors assistance to help meet the students’ needs at that particular moment and for that academic subject.
“It’s been awesome working with Teresa, she really knows how to connect with students to help motivate them to not give up,” said Health Science student, Ruby Araujo. “I have never been tutored before, and I didn’t think it was for me. But college has been different, and I am so glad I have Teresa to help me.”
Araujo, who is a Latinx Scholar, has been working with Tarifa de Yensen since Fall 2022. Tarifa de Yensen has helped Araujo adjust to life at CWI, learn how to use the College’s resources, like the CWI Library to find articles for research, and provide her with support as she navigates through her courses.
One of the classes Araujo had trouble with was Medical Terminology (HLTH 101). Being a bilingual student, Tarifa de Yensen came up with the idea for to utilize that to Araujo’s advantage because many medical terms are based off the Latin language which share similarities with the Spanish language. Together the two created flash cards with medical terms in both English and Spanish to help Araujo remember it easier.
This skill has not only empowered Araujo during her course, but she now has an advantage when applying for healthcare careers in the future because she knows medical terminology in two different languages.
"Teresa works tirelessly to support Latinx and ELL students,” said Tutoring Services Supervisor, Liz Fleshman. “She is patient and kind and dedicated to student support in tutoring. She goes above and beyond academic tutoring and supports students with self-advocacy skills and study skills. Teresa also serves as a role model to show students that they can be a minority and be successful in college.”
When it comes to stand out moments at CWI, Tarifa de Yensen says she has those types of moments everyday working with students. She loves playing a role in a students’ success whether it is big or small.
“Socrates said, ‘Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel,’” Tarifa de Yensen said. “I think tutoring is like that. You can give the students answers to specific homework problems, or you can teach them how to solve the problems on their own, how to grow academically, and eventually operate as independent scholars.”
Outside of CWI, Tarifa de Yensen enjoys spending time with her husband, and two sons and two daughters-in-law.
In her free time, she likes to spend time outside, whether it’s going on long walks, gardening, or taking photographs. She also loves learning about new things wherever she goes.
