Ready to Jump Start?
Jump Start is a co-enrollment partnership between the University of Idaho and the College of Western Idaho.
U of I and CWI students attend and collaborate in classes held in person at the University of Idaho, Idaho Water Center located in the heart of downtown Boise.
This collaborative program is designed to reduce barriers for students, promote a smooth transition between Idaho’s Colleges and Universities and to promote student success.
Admission Requirements

Fast Facts
- Great Value – Less than $5k per semester
- Accelerated Study – Classes are completed in only 8 short weeks
- Flexible Schedule – Classes are offered in the late afternoon and evening to accommodate a typical workday schedule.
- Easy registration – Students can enroll from their current institution.
Why Jump Start?

As a recent high school graduate, I’m excited to start my college career. Jump Start allows me to stay in Boise and take the classes I need to begin my four-year degree.
— Emily Cilley, Meridian
You can expect easily accessible general education classes located in downtown Boise. Garage parking is free for evening classes and all students are eligible to receive a free city bus pass. The transfer process has been greatly streamlined, especially for students from a two-year institution that wish to complete a four-year degree.
Benefits of Jump Start:
- Save time and money. You get clearly defined classes that fulfill transfer requirements,
- Success is built-in to the plan. You get dedicated advisors that know how to specifically ensure your success.
- Maximal access to opportunities of all kinds. You get resources, financial aid opportunities and use of the spaces and places.
Meet Denise, Your Advisor

Denise Engebrecht is the Academic Program & Student Services Manager at U of I Boise. She provides advising support to all students with a connection to the Idaho Water Center and our Southwest Idaho programs outside of the College of Law.
Students who need advising support and help enrolling in the Jump Start program can find her in suite 190 or reach her at denisee@uidaho.edu or 208-364-6123.
FAQ
Fundamentals of Oral Communications
COMM 101, Section 55
Writing and Rhetoric I
ENGL 101, Section 55
Writing and Rhetoric I Plus
ENGL 101P, Section 55
Writing and Rhetoric II
ENGL 102, Section 55
United States History II
HIST 112, Section 55
Introduction to Ethics
PHIL 103, Section 55
Introduction to Psychology
PSYC 101, Section 55
Current U of I Students
Current and newly admitted U of I — No need to apply, simply login to VandalWeb and add the Boise sections (Section 55) now. Email Denise Engebrecht with any questions denisee@uidaho.edu.
First Year Students
First year students, please visit our first year student application website and follow the instructions. Once admitted, simply login to VandalWeb and add the Boise sections (Section 55) to your schedule.
High School Students
High school (dual credit) students, please create an account and apply on U of I's dual credit website.
CWI Students
CWI student can register today by logging into Student Planning.
- Current U of I students interested in getting a jump start on their degree while place bound in the Treasure Valley area.
- Current CWI students located in Boise interested in taking in person general education credits that can be used to obtain AA or AS degree.
- New students interested in saving money by living in Boise, working while pursuing an education, and interested in getting a jump start to their four-year U of I degree.
- U of I online students who want to add an in-person course in the Boise area without completing any additional applications or financial aid paperwork.
- High school students motivated to obtain college credit that can be used toward an undergraduate degree prior to high school graduation. Fast forward funding may be available to high school students in this program.
- Full time Idaho resident students enrolled at the University of Idaho (10-20 credits): $4,170
- Part time Idaho resident students enrolled at the University of Idaho (1-9) credits: $415 per credit
Note: Fast Forward program funding may be available for high school students seeking dual credit.
Classes range from 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on the class. Below is a sample schedule.
August - October
- ENGL 101 | M,T,W,Th | 4:00pm - 5:15pm
- ENGLP 101 | Friday | 4:00pm - 6:30 pm
- COMM 101 | M,T,W,Th | 5:30pm - 6:45pm
- PHIL 103 | M,T,W,Th | 7:00pm - 8:15pm
October - December
- PSYC 101 | M,T,W,Th | 4:00pm - 5:15pm
- ENGL 102 | M,W | 5:00pm - 7:30pm
- HIST 112 | T,Th | 5:00pm - 7:30pm
The program offers early and late 8-week classes allowing students to focus on three courses at a time and earn up to 18 credits per semester.
- Fall 2023 semester: Oct. 16 – Dec. 15
- Spring 2024 semester: Jan. 10 – March 9 and March 18 – May 10
All of the courses offered in this program readily transfer to all two-year and four-year Idaho postsecondary institutions. Colleges and universities outside the state of Idaho and private institutions are not bound by the same credit transfer policy. It is important to check other institutions' transfer policies before registering for credits you intend to transfer.
Yes! The following courses offered in the Jump Start program can be taken for dual credit.
- ENGL 101
- ENGL 102
- COMM 101
- PHIL 103
- PSYC 101
- HIST 112
Credits earned through this program may apply toward high school and college graduation. These credits can then be transferred to all Idaho 2-year and 4-year institutions. For more information, please speak with a high school counselor or visit U of I's dual credit center.
Note: Fast Forward program funding may be available for high school students seeking dual credit.