NAMPA -- Idaho's newest community college has permission to begin offering accredited classes starting next year.

Officials say the College of Western Idaho recently earned formal approval to offer classes accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

That group is one of six nationwide that certifies the quality of college academic programs.

That key step was made possible through an agreement with the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls.

Administrators at the two schools agreed to join forces until the College of Western Idaho completes its own accreditation process in the next three to four

years.

The announcement means CWI can begin offering classes starting in January 2009 that students can use to transfer to other schools and obtain federal financial aid.