A look into real stories with real impact. Success shines through the eyes of our students. Their stories of achievement prove that affordable education transforms lives, launches careers, and strengthens communities. At College of Western Idaho (CWI), these journeys show the spirit of our college in action and the difference it makes every day.
Ramiro Villafana
A passion for nature and landscaping turned into a thriving business for a Horticulture Technology graduate. With dedication, hands-on experience at CWI, and support from family, Ramiro Villafana overcame challenges and built a successful career as a business owner.
Consecutives Semesters of Enrollment Growth
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Drafting Technology graduate, Audrey Cabrera, turned her passion for design into a successful drafting career and now inspires the next generation as a CWI instructor.
Read more about Cabrera Builds Future Through CWIAfter a major injury sidelined his training, Fire Service Technology student Kaden Bryant fought back stronger. Now he is steps away from achieving his dream of becoming a firefighter.
Read more about Bryant Turns Setback into Firefighting DreamAt the Idaho Mining Conference, CWI highlighted student experiences, partnerships, and workforce-ready skills shaping the future of mining and geoscience in Idaho.
Read more about CWI Helping Shape the Next Generation of Mining ProfessionalsCody Phelps’ journey comes full circle as he returns to teach at CWI, the same place that helped launch his education and career.
Read more about From Student to Faculty, Phelps Finds His Calling at CWIGeneral Studies student, Jen Campbell, is proving it’s never too late to chase your dreams, balancing family, work, and school with support from CWI scholarships.
Read more about Mother of Four Fulfills Lifelong Dream at CWIKemper Hessing is pursuing his passion for firefighting through the Fire Service Technology program, where hands-on training, mentorship, and scholarships like the Metallica Scholars Initiative are...
Read more about Metallica Scholars Initiative Fueling Hessing’s Firefighting JourneyCollege of Western Idaho student Angie Prado makes history as the College’s first OTA recipient of the national AOTA scholarship, honoring her resilience, dedication, and inspiring journey.
Read more about Prado Makes History as CWI’s First National Occupational Therapy Assistant Scholarship RecipientCollege of Western Idaho (CWI) alumnus, Jose Magdaleno Nava, has built a life defined by perseverance, hard work, and the courage to pursue new opportunities. Nava went from living paycheck to...
Read more about CWI Alumnus Gives Back as Business Owner & Foundation Board LeaderJessica Gillmore turned a childhood passion for firefighting into a career path through College of Western Idaho’s Fire Service Technology program, where she’s now preparing for a future...
Read more about Fueling Her Fire: Jessica Gillmore’s Journey Toward Fire InvestigationAaron Potter discovered his passion for software development at College of Western Idaho, gaining confidence and hands-on skills that led him to pursue a career in artificial intelligence. With...
Read more about Coding Confidence: Aaron Potter Discovers His Future in AI at CWIIn her own words, College of Western Idaho graduate Alejandra Whynman recounts how, after arriving in the U.S. alone at age 15 with only a fifth-grade education, she overcame incredible odds to...
Read more about From a Childhood Calling to a Career in NursingJuanita Hernandez, a first-generation college student and single mother, overcame significant challenges to pursue her dream of working in law enforcement. With support from her family and the...
Read more about From CWI to Patrol: Juanita Hernandez’s Journey to Serve
