Nominations are now open for the 2026 College of Western Idaho (CWI) Student Leadership Awards. These awards recognize the achievements of outstanding student leaders for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to CWI and the community.   

Through this annual celebration, CWI honors individuals and organizations that inspire others, strengthen campus life, and leave a legacy. Multiple student leaders, one student organization, and one club advisor will be recognized. 

This year’s awards include: 

• Community Service Program of the Year — This award recognizes a program that has engaged students through service while it encouraged them to selflessly serve beyond the program. 
• Social Program of the Year Award — This award recognizes a student club program that enhances the campus community and demonstrated creativity, exceptional planning, and fosters connections among students. 
• Student Organization of the Year Award — This award is presented to a student club that has demonstrated excellence in all areas of community engagement, collaboration, and leadership development. 
• Student Organization Advisor of the Year Award — This award recognizes a student club advisor who has excelled in providing support and assistance to a club. The recipient has devoted time and service that has played a key role in the club’s success. 
• Outstanding Officer of the Year Award —This award recognizes a student leader who has demonstrated exceptional communication, collaboration, and decision-making, inspiring others to get involved and make a difference.  
• Quiet Influence Award —This award recognizes a person who has contributed to their club and campus community in a meaningful yet behind-the-scenes way. 
• Trailblazing Leadership Award — This award will recognize a second-year or graduating student leader who has exemplified outstanding leadership on campus. Through their involvement, they have demonstrated creativity, innovation, and initiative while creating positive, lasting change. 
• Rising Leader Award — This award recognizes a first-year student (including those returning from a break) who does not need a title to fill a leadership role. They exemplify the college’s core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, and excellence.  

Nominations for all awards will remain open through Sunday, March 8. Award recipients will be announced at the 2026 Student Leadership Awards Banquet on Friday, May 1 at the Jack’s [2] Urban Meeting Place (JUMP). [2]  

Nominate a student leader! [3] 

For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Sitlaly Hernandez at sitlalyescamilla [4]@cwi.edu [4].