Veterans and Military Family Services

Does Veterans and Military Family Services have walk-in hours for veterans using their education benefits?

No. Due to the volume of veteran education benefit certifications, Veterans and Military Family Services is unable to accept walk-ins. We do take appointments, please schedule an appointment, we would love to talk with you.

How do I use my GI Bill® in an Apprenticeship Program?

 When using the GI Bill® in an Apprenticeship Program, you will be submitting it through your employer. 

More information on using the GI Bill in an apprenticeship program is located at:...

How does my enrollment get certified to the VA?

You must be admitted as a student and register for classes in an approved program of study. You must complete a CWI Request for Certification form after you have registered for classes every term that you want to use VA Education Benefits and submit the form on line. Veterans and Military Family...

How soon will I receive my first veteran education benefit payment?

It can take the VA several weeks to process your initial application and anywhere from 6 to 10 weeks to process Enrollment Certifications. Generally, VA education benefit payments are made at the end of each month you attend school; for example, if classes start in August and your claim has been...

This is the first time I have used my veteran education benefits. How do I apply?

You will need to establish your eligibility with the Veterans Administration. You can apply on line www.va.gov. Once the VA has processed your application, they will send you a Certificate of Eligibility. The Certificate of Eligibility is your official...

Who do I contact if I am a veteran not utilizing GI Bill funds to attend school?

Veterans seeking higher education and utilizing financial means outside of GI Bill® funds can contact One Stop Student Services with questions about attending College of Western Idaho. You will follow the...

Why won't Veteran Affairs pay for a class I am taking?

There are several reasons Veteran Affairs may not pay for a class you are taking at College of Western Idaho including: 

  • the class is not part of your degree or certificate plan
  • you may have already taken and passed the class at CWI, another institution, or from
  • ...

Idaho Launch

How does the Idaho LAUNCH application cycle work?

The Idaho LAUNCH application is open Oct. 3, 2023, through April 15, 2024.

Contingent Award Letters are contingent upon verification of eligibility. There will be three rounds of Contingent Award Letters.

  • Round 1 Contingent Award Letters sent by Dec. 31
  • ...

How much funding is available for qualified students through Idaho LAUNCH?

  • Students can receive up to $8,000 to pay for up to 80% of their tuition and fees.
  • Students can receive up to 50% of the $8,000 per academic year with the exception being a program that is less than 12 months in length.

How will you be notified if you have been awarded Idaho LAUNCH funds?

You will receive an email notification from Scholarship Idaho. It is important for you to have an active email address that you check regularly to ensure you do not miss any notifications.

What are the benefits of CWI LAUNCH Link?

LAUNCH Link is a service provided by College of Western Idaho (CWI) to future students who attend the College and use Idaho LAUNCH. Students who sign up to take advantage of LAUNCH Link will receive one-on-one guidance as they get started on how to best...

What are the important dates for the Idaho LAUNCH program?

  • Applications for the Idaho LAUNCH program will open Oct. 3, 2023, through April 15, 2024. High school students are highly encouraged to apply early.
    • Initial applications are due Nov. 30, 2023.
  • To utilize Idaho LAUNCH funds, students must
  • ...

What is Idaho LAUNCH at CWI?

Idaho LAUNCH for high school seniors is new this year with the graduating class of 2024 as the first invited to participate. Idaho LAUNCH aims to connect high school seniors to in-demand careers through training and education at College of Western Idaho (CWI). Keep an eye out for program...

Who can access the Idaho LAUNCH program?

Idaho LAUNCH is available to:

  • Idaho high school students graduating in 2024
  • students who start at College of Western Idaho in 2024 for the summer or fall semester or either fall 8-week session
  • students who continue their education immediately following high
  • ...