CWI receives significant grant for mining program

Hundreds of thousand of dollars have been awarded to a Treasure Valley school to help a new degree program in mining.

The National Science Foundation awarded $862,435 through its Advanced Technological Education program to the College of Western Idaho for its Mining Technician associate’s degree program. The program is newly established and the first of its kind in the region, and the grant is a first-ever award for the school from the NSF.

“This award is a source of pride for CWI and our students,” said Gordon Jones, president of the school. “This project gives our students the opportunity for hands-on learning and experience with state of the industry mining equipment, ultimately helping them gain the skills Idaho employers need. It’s a win for our students and for our communities.”

With the grant, the school is anticipating to enroll three student cohorts of up to 60 students, provide specialized training for faculty by industry experts, and establish a new Mining Industry Technical Advisory Committee to guide the program’s development.

According to the school, students will participate in the three-year project titled Developing Innovative Geotechnical Instruction and Training, or DIG-IT. The project “will prepare students for in-demand careers in modern mining and geosciences. Students will learn to use advanced mining and surveying technologies such as ground penetrating radar, lidar and uncrewed aerial vehicles. They will also gain hands-on experience through coursework, fieldwork and paid internships with Idaho mining employers.”

CWI stated that graduates will also be able to complete the Mine Safety and Health Administration certification to make their way into technician jobs within the mining industry.

“Receiving an NSF grant is a significant milestone for any institution, and especially for a community college like CWI,” said Denise Aberle-Cannata, CWI provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “This rare achievement validates our innovative approach to geotechnical instruction and positions CWI as a leader in this field.”

The grant comes along with the school’s partnership with Perpetua Resources, a mining company, which will create a Stibnite Launch Scholarship worth $250,000 to support 12 students earning the new degree.