BOISE, Idaho — A growing Treasure Valley has growing needs - and students in the Treasure Valley could soon have a new choice for education.
The College of Western Idaho has plans to offer a bachelor's degree program.
In 2024, the two-year college hopes to offer a four-year degree in Business Administration.
"We have so many companies and such a vibrant economy, but one of the biggest shortfalls we have is skilled workforce." CWI President Gordon Jones said. "People who have been properly trained or educated for different jobs that are needed to be filled here in the Treasure Valley. At CWI, we work with a ton of students who can take advantage of this opportunity through education and this bachelor program."
CWI is planning to offer students a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Business Administration, to help keep up with the growing job demand in our communities.
Jones said the program is about meeting workforce needs and opportunities for Treasure Valley students.
"We think we've got the right mix of being able to be affordable, employable, and open for anybody," Jones said.
For non-traditional students - that means opportunity.
"It's a great opportunity to meet some of those jobs that are needed here in the valley," Jones said. "CWI works with adult learners, individuals who maybe have had some career technical - or trade-related education, or individuals who may not be going on because they prefer a place that might be closer to them like CWI."
CWI estimates the degree will cost a total of $18,000-$19,000 for students.
Jones said the college already has the curriculums and faculty in place to start offering the degree in Fall 2024, and community colleges in other states already offer similar bachelor's programs.
"22 other states in this nation have already turned to community colleges for this type of degree," Jones said.
On Nov. 9, CWI's Board of Trustees unanimously approved plans to offer the bachelor's degree.
"The next step - and really the most significant step, is our State Board of Education this December 13 will be evaluating this," Jones said. "Pending their approval, we would be free and clear to move forward with notifying our creditors. We're ultimately looking to offer this in the fall of 2024."
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