CWI News – September 13, 2024
News Highlights
Remembering 9/11: CWI Fire and Law Enforcement Students Honor the Fallen
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Fire Service Technology and Law Enforcement students honored the heroes and victims of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, in a joint ceremony. On Wednesday morning, students from CWI, along with members of the Nampa Fire and Police Departments and other local leaders, came together at Nampa Fire Station 1 to honor those who have lost their lives and remember the families who carry their memory forward.
For several years, CWI Fire Service Technology and Law Enforcement students have played a key role in this Nampa ceremony. This event serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of public safety and the profound impact of their future careers.
“Our students have the powerful opportunity to be part of a ceremony that is honoring emergency responders who did not hesitate to risk their lives to save the innocent,” said CWI Law Enforcement Program Director, Stacy Mowry. “This brings to light just how dangerous this job can be, and knowing this, the students are still willing to enter a field where they will face dangers to make the community a better place.”
Farm to Fork 2024 is Sold Out
Get a taste of the Treasure Valley and College of Western Idaho (CWI) during this year's Farm to Fork event, Friday, Oct. 4. Hosted by the College's Agricultural Science department, this true farm-to-fork meal will feature produce grown in CWI's Campus Garden and specialties from local partners.
"We are thrilled to engage with our community to support the Campus Garden," said the Department Chair and Assistant Professor in Agriculture Sciences, Andrea Schumaker. "This project is a true labor of love, and it brings us immense joy to provide students the opportunity to harvest vegetables, educate them about agriculture, and contribute to the availability of fresh, nutritious food for them and their families."
Farm to Fork Dinner
Friday, Oct. 4
$80/person
Campus Garden Tour @ 5 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Campus Garden
- Take a tour of the garden, meet the chef, and talk with local partners contributing to the event.
Dinner @ 6 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), room 122
- Dinner includes a five-course meal paired with delicious beverages.
Tickets for 2024 Farm to Fork are sold out!
Those still interested in supporting the Campus Garden can make a monetary donation by visiting CWI’s Give Now page, selecting Other with Campus Garden as the gift designation.
Discover Your Path to Success at Entrepreneur Lab
Welcome to Entrepreneur Lab: Your Gateway to Innovation
Calling all innovators, creators, hustlers, and entrepreneurs! College of Western Idaho (CWI) is excited invite you to the Entrepreneur Lab — a new initiative dedicated to empowering and resourcing the entrepreneurial spirit within our campus and community. Whether you are in the inception stage of a groundbreaking idea or seeking to expand an established business, Entrepreneur Lab is here to support you.
Join us for the Kickoff Event where we will unveil the brand-new Entrepreneur Lab space with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m.
Event Details
Thursday, Oct. 10
2 – 5 p.m.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC), room 100B
Ribbon Cutting: 2 p.m.
Why Entrepreneur Lab?
At Entrepreneur Lab, our mission is to provide meaningful support and hands-on experiences for entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey. Whether you're a student with a passion for innovation, an inventor with an exciting prototype, or a newly established business owner looking to thrive in today's market, we offer the connections, guidance, and opportunities you need to succeed.
Explore Our Resources and Programs
- Cohorts: Dive into our structured cohorts designed to guide you from idea conception to business launch and beyond. Benefit from expert mentorship, practical workshops, and a supportive community of peers.
- Events: Immerse yourself in a calendar full of enriching events, from hands-on workshops and guest speaker sessions featuring successful local entrepreneurs to a culminating pitch competition.
- Community Connections: Connect with like-minded individuals and industry leaders who share your passion for entrepreneurship. Forge valuable relationships that can propel your ideas and ventures forward.
What to Expect at the Kickoff Event
- Meet the Team: Engage with our dedicated Entrepreneur Lab team who are committed to supporting your entrepreneurial journey with personalized guidance and support.
- Networking Opportunities: Expand your network and build relationships with current students, faculty, alumni, local businesses, and community members who are all integral parts of our thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
We hope that the Entrepreneur Lab will be more than just a physical space — it will be a dynamic community of forward-thinkers and trailblazers who are redefining entrepreneurship in our region. Whether you're driven by a passion for innovation, a desire to make a difference, or a dream of building something extraordinary, Entrepreneur Lab is your launchpad to success.
RSVP Today
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of something truly transformative. RSVP now to secure your spot at our Kickoff Event on Oct. 10. Come celebrate with us, network with industry experts, and ignite your business journey with Entrepreneur Lab.
Get Involved, Get Inspired
Join us at Entrepreneur Lab and embark on a journey where your ideas are empowered, your aspirations are supported, and your entrepreneurial spirit thrives. Together, let's build a vibrant community of innovators who are shaping the future of entrepreneurship at CWI.
Mental Health Tidbits: Stress Management with Yoga Fusion
Discovering the proper stress management techniques and prioritizing mental health is crucial for maintaining your well-being. Whether it's the demands of school, family, work, finances, or relationships, College of Western Idaho (CWI) understands the overwhelming pressures life can throw your way. Our CWI Mental Health First Aid trainers offer Mental Health Tidbits for campus community members to help broaden their knowledge on mental health topics.
In October a musically inspired yoga dance fusion class will be offered at both campus locations to support holistic stress management. This mindful fitness format fosters emotional stability and resilience, encourages a deeper connection between the body and mind, and sharpens focus and concentration. These 50-minute sessions will be conducted barefoot on the mat, with no jumping or impact, making it accessible to nearly all. The sessions will be led by Erica Compton, Director of Student Advising and Success. Erica is also a certified ACE Group Fitness Instructor, certified Oula and Oula One instructor, and teaches both formats weekly at the Tomlinson South YMCA.
Yoga Fusion Class (Oula One)
Wednesday, Oct. 16
4 – 5 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), Room 1320
Wednesday, Oct. 23
4 – 5 p.m.
Nampa Campus Aspen Classroom Building (NASP), Room 100
What to Bring:
• Water Bottle
• Yoga Mat (a few will be made available if you don’t have one)
• Flexible attire
Ten CWI employees are certified Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructors. MHFA teaches individuals the skills necessary to help someone who may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. This research and evidence-based program promotes mental health literacy to help the public identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness. The course introduces participants to the MHFA Action Plan, ALGEE, a five-step plan that can be used to provide support to someone in distress. Additionally, participants learn the risk factors and warning signs for mental health or substance abuse, engage in experiential activities to build an understanding of the impact of illness on individuals and families and discuss evidence-supported treatment and self-help strategies.
CWI employees interested in attending MHFA training can visit the Mental Health First Aid Training Courses to learn more.
For those with questions or interested in learning more about the Mental Health Tidbits Discussions, please contact Jodi Hickenlooper at jodihickenlooper@cwi.edu.
Constitution Day is Almost Here
Join College of Western Idaho (CWI) on Tuesday, Sept. 17, for a day of fun and learning as we celebrate the signing of the United States Constitution!
Tuesday, Sept. 17
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Lobby
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), Lobby
What to expect:
- Free Pocket Constitutions: Grab a free copy of the Constitution and learn about the foundation of our democracy.
- Trivia Challenge: Test your knowledge of the Constitution!
Whether you are a history buff or simply want to learn more about your rights, this is an event you won't want to miss!
Mark your calendars for Constitution Day 2024 and join us for a day of celebration and civic engagement!
Food for Thought – Fall 2024
Join College of Western Idaho (CWI) and Tutoring Services for Food for Thought, a two-day event where tutors and campus staff will be available to share information, answer questions, and connect with new students who may be interested in finding additional resources to succeed in their courses.
Tutoring Services is dedicated to empowering students to master course content and succeed in classes. While this on-campus resource is open and available to all enrolled students at CWI, many may not know how to connect with tutors. To help spread the word, Tutoring Services has partnered with Student Engagement to host this event and invite the entire campus to learn about Tutoring Services and the Writing Center.
Participants will be given a checklist of certain questions to ask staff. Those who complete the checklist will earn free food and win CWI swag, courtesy of Student Engagement.
Tuesday, Sept. 24
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building, Tutoring Center, Room 1304
Thursday, Sept. 26
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building, Tutoring Center, Room 209
CWI tutors routinely work with students to help them better understand coursework and prepare for exams and papers. Services include appointments for math, sciences, writing, foreign languages, certified technical programs, and more. Tutors also lead study groups and academic skill-building workshops throughout the semester.
Connect with Tutoring Services and The Writing Center in one of the following ways:
- Visit Tutoring Services.
- Book a tutoring appointment, or watch a short video on how to book an appointment.
- Email tutoring@cwi.edu.
Fall 2024 Job & Career Fair
Looking for employment? Join College of Western Idaho (CWI) Sept. 17 and 18 for the Fall 2024 Job & Career Fair, where you can meet with businesses from across the Treasure Valley who need skilled workers like you! Employers are looking for interns, administrative assistants, CNAs, social workers, equipment operators, mechanics, and more.
Need a new headshot for Handshake or LinkedIn? Paylocity will be offering FREE professional headshots for students who participate. Show up ready to impress and take advantage of this opportunity to stand out from the crowd.
Tuesday, Sept. 17
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building
Employers:
- Ada County Highway District
- Amazon
- Bish's RV
- City of Boise
- ESI Construction (Engineered Structures, Inc.)
- Express Employment Professionals
- Idaho Banker's Association
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
- J.R. Simplot Company
- Paylocity
- PepsiCo
- Saint Alphonsus Health System
- The Sherwin-Williams Company
Wednesday, Sept. 18
11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building
Employers:
- Amazon
- AmeriCorps of Chelan Douglass Community Action Council
- City of Boise
- College of Western Idaho – Work-Based Learning Center
- ESI Construction (Engineered Structures, Inc.)
- Express Employment Professionals
- Home Instead
- Idaho Banker's Association
- Idaho Department of Fish and Game
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
- Kiddie Academy of Meridian
- Micron Technology Inc.
- Paylocity
- PepsiCo
- Saint Alphonsus Health System
- The Sherwin-Williams Company
- and MORE!
Contact Sitlaly Escamilla, Coordinator of Student Leadership and Programs, at sitlalyescamilla@cwi.edu with questions or to learn more.
Wishing Well Fund Accepting Applications
Looking for extra financial help to fund a classroom need or program? Now's your chance as the College of Western Idaho (CWI) Foundation’s Wishing Well Fund is accepting applications!
The Wishing Well Fund was established to encourage our staff and faculty to innovate and enhance CWI's educational environment and develop student learning opportunities. All the funds granted must be used for the direct advancement of departments or programs, contributing to students' growth and learning experiences.
This Fund is only possible thanks to the generous contributions of CWI employees and our supportive community partners, who are passionate about funding projects that extend beyond the standard departmental budget and require a financial lift to enhance student experiences.
The application must be signed both by you and your Dean/Director and submitted online to the CWI Foundation by 3 p.m. on Oct. 31. Late submissions will not be considered.
The maximum award amount is $1,500, and funds must be utilized by May 1, 2025.
For more information about the Wishing Well Fund or to request an application, please reach out to the Foundation at foundation@cwi.edu.
