ĢƵ Opens Agricultural Sciences Complex, Expanding Opportunities for Students & Community

Published: September 12, 2025

ĢƵ (CWI) celebrated the official opening of its new Agricultural Sciences Complex and  (NAGB) this week with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Nampa Campus on Progress Way and Cherry Lane in Nampa. This expansion is a major investment in agricultural education and workforce training across the Treasure Valley. Joining in the celebration was city leaders, state legislators, university partners including University of Idaho President C. Scott Green, Simplot Foundation, and Technical Advisory Committee members. 

This state-of-the-art facility blends 40 acres and 38,000 square feet of innovative instructional space with sustainable design, creating a modern hub for hands-on education and research. Thoughtfully designed using day lighting principles, the complex ensures that every classroom and lab is infused with natural light. With nearly 300 registrations in programs such as Agricultural Business, Leadership, and Education; Animal Veterinary Sciences; Fermentation Science; and Horticulture Technology, a number of students will embrace learning in this new, modern environment blending indoor and outdoor learning.   

The space also includes a student-designed arboretum that will serve as both an educational and community resource. It is the first registered arboretum in the city of Nampa. 

“The Agricultural Sciences Complex is a shining example of what happens when a community invests in education,” said Mike Peña, President of the CWI Foundation Board. “This facility will not only transform the lives of students but also strengthen the agricultural industry that is so vital to our region. The Foundation is proud to support CWI’s vision and excited to see the impact this Complex will have for generations to come.” 

Tuesday’s celebration also honored key community partners who played a vital role in making this vision a reality, including legislators and Gov. Brad Little. Generous contributions from the J.R. Simplot Company Foundation, naming the academic building on the complex, along with support from the Crookham Company played a key role in bringing the Agricultural Sciences Complex to life, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing education and supporting the future leaders of agriculture in Idaho. There are still opportunities for community support through CWI’s Powering the Treasure Valley campaign, which aims to raise $30 million for campus development, student scholarships, and enhancing academic programs.  

Classes in the Complex began Aug. 18, with more than 20 courses being offered this fall. The 38,000 square feet of classroom and lab space supports training in horticulture, landscape design, floral science, and animal science. 

The Agricultural Sciences Complex, along with the recently opened (NCHS) and the (NCSC) that will open Fall 2026, demonstrates CWI’s continued commitment to expanding educational access, fueling workforce growth, and strengthening the economic vitality of the Treasure Valley. 

See how CWI is shaping the future of education in the Treasure Valley. For more information, visit cwi.edu

More from CWI

Person behind a set of books

Ada Community Library Bookmobile will visit CWI on Feb. 24, offering library cards, book checkout, and free resources for students and the community.

Read more about Library Bookmobile to Visit Ada County Center
Image of the Tempest Promotional flyer in front of a green backdrop

Join the College's Visiting Artist Series in welcoming Idaho Shakespeare Festival back to campus on Tuesday, Feb. 17, for a performance of The Tempest and an acting workshop.

Read more about Visiting Artist Series Welcomes 2026 Idaho Shakespeare Festival
Headshot of Jill Storey

Join CWI's Visiting Artist Series in welcoming artist Jill Storey to campus on Feb. 26 – 27.

Read more about Visiting Artist Series Welcomes Jill Storey
Spring 2026 Club Fest

Club Fest is the gateway to discovering active Student Clubs, learning about upcoming initiatives, and finding out how to join groups that align with your interests.

Read more about Spring 2026 Club Fest
Group of people practicing yoga

Mindfulness Mondays with 2C Yoga are open to all ĢƵ students on most Mondays at noon at the Nampa Campus Academic Building.

Read more about Mindfulness Mondays Returns This Spring Offering Free Yoga on Campus
Three people chatting at a front desk

CWI has joined forces with Western Idaho Community Action Partnership to offer heating assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. This program provides vital...

Read more about CWI Partners With WICAP to Support Heating Assistance
Job & Career Fair | Feb. 3 – 5

Meet with employers from across the Treasure Valley who are ready to put your skills to work! Whether you are seeking part-time work, a full-time position, or career advice, this event is...

Read more about Spring 2026 Job & Career Fair
Spring 2026 Student Resource Fair January 28 | Blue stripes |4 symbols of a headset, speech bubble, book, checklist

Explore campus and community resources, enjoy fun prizes, and grab some tasty food at the 2026 Student Resource Fair!

Read more about Spring 2026 Student Resource Fair
Two people walking up staircase

Week of Welcome is a campuswide initiative designed to support students during their first week of classes and help them start the semester with confidence.

Read more about CWI Hosts Week of Welcome for Spring 2026
Group of students on campus

Get ready for Spring 2026 at CWI! Join us for Ready, Set, Thrive! on Jan. 16 to find classrooms, get organized, and start strong across CWI campuses.

Read more about Ready, Set, Thrive!
Group of people cheering in front of projector screen

CWI’s Entrepreneur Lab hosted OtterTank, where entrepreneurs pitched ideas, got coaching, and connected with the community to turn creativity into action.

Read more about Fall 2025 OtterTank Highlights Innovation

News QR Code

URL: /news/college-western-idaho-opens-agricultural-sciences-complex-expanding-opportunities-students<br>