Idaho Technology Council Awarded Anticipated $1.2 M through NSTC Workforce Partner Alliance Program Natcast award will support an innovative workforce development program in Idaho to close critical workforce and skills gaps across the U.S. semiconductor industry For immediate release: Boise, Idaho, September 26, 2024 – Idaho Technology Council today announced it has been selected as an anticipated National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) Workforce Partner Alliance (WFPA) program awardee. The $1,263,720 in anticipated funding will enable the Idaho Technology Council (ITC) to lead a transformative workforce development program in Idaho aimed at closing critical workforce and skills gaps across the U.S. semiconductor industry. The WFPA program is administered by Natcast , the purpose-built, non-profit entity created to operate the NSTC consortium, established by the CHIPS and Science Act of the U.S. government. On September 25, 2024, Natcast announced $11.5 million in anticipated total WFPA awards coinciding with the launch of the NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence (WCoE). "The anticipated WFPA funding will create opportunities for thousands of students, educators, and professionals to join the U.S. semiconductor workforce, supplying employers with in-demand talent and solidifying the U.S. as a leader in this vital industry,” said Michael Barnes, senior manager of workforce development programs at Natcast. "By investing in transformative programs like Enhanced Access to the Semiconductor Industry in Idaho (EASII), we’re ensuring that American workers are equipped with the skills necessary to compete in the global semiconductor market.” The anticipated funding will support the Enhanced Access to the Semiconductor Industry in Idaho (EASII), a program designed to provide supportive services to approximately 430 individuals across the State of Idaho as they enroll, progress in, and complete a training program leading to employment in the semiconductor industry in Idaho. Training opportunities are provided by our grantees in all six regions of the state. These programs meet the need for training opportunities, but many Idahoans need support to complete these programs and move into employment. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding has remained stationary in comparison to rampant inflation in recent years, creating a gap for many Idahoans. To close this gap, we plan to scale the impact of our semiconductor education and training programs by providing wraparound supports for participants in the key areas of child/dependent care, transportation, mental health and substance abuse counseling, and housing support. This program is expected to prepare over 400 for careers in the semiconductor industry over the next two years, making a significant impact on the industry’s workforce development ecosystem and contributing to U.S. leadership in semiconductor technology. Enhanced Access to the Semiconductor Industry in Idaho (EASII) was one of seven programs selected from a highly competitive pool of more than 100 submitted proposals to receive anticipated WFPA funding. “We are honored to be selected by Natcast to be a part of this vital national initiative,” Diane Bevan, ITC President and CEO. “Through the Enhanced Access to the Semiconductor Industry in Idaho (EASII), we will support industry professionals with the necessary skills to succeed in semiconductor-related fields. Working alongside our industry, academic, and community partners, this investment will have a lasting effect on the U.S. semiconductor workforce ecosystem and help the country meet the evolving demands of this rapidly growing and critical sector. While many of our partners already employ methods to serve historically underrepresented and underserved communities, the Idaho Technology Council, through the EASII program will maximize the program’s accessibility to those who need it most.” As part of the initiative, Idaho Technology Council will continue to develop its outreach within the ecosystem as a leader in collaboration and engagement. This industry-driven approach will provide participants with valuable opportunities for employment and career advancement in the semiconductor industry and help employers fill critical workforce needs. In partnership with the Idaho Workforce Development Council and leveraging existing relationships within Idaho’s workforce ecosystem EASII will support participants’ co-enrollment in appropriate workforce programs, which may include, WIOA programs, Vocational Rehabilitation, veterans support services, or other services as identified. Co-enrollment will help us to provide true wraparound support, covering as many of our participants’ needs as possible for as long as possible “As Chair of the Idaho Technology Council Board of Trustees, I am deeply grateful for the collaboration between the ITC and the Idaho Workforce Development Council, which has led to the award of the National Semiconductor Technology Center Workforce Partner Alliance grant, said Reid Stephan, St. Luke’s Health System. This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to advancing workforce development and building a robust talent pipeline for Idaho's growing tech ecosystem. Together, we are ensuring Idaho remains a leader in innovation, creating quality, high-paying jobs and equipping our workforce to meet the challenges of the semiconductor industry and beyond.” “Congratulations to the Idaho Technology Council (ITC) for being recognized as a Natcast Workforce Partner Alliance awardee. For many years, the ITC has been a leader in Idaho’s technology ecosystem success and promoting the growth of the semiconductor industry. Micron applauds the ITC’s latest program, Enhanced Access to the Semiconductor Industry in Idaho (EASII), which will help open access to careers in the semiconductor industry to individuals from all backgrounds,” said April Arnzen, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, Micron. “The Idaho Workforce Development Council is thrilled to support the Idaho Technology Council in implementing the Workforce Partner Alliance Program. Our efforts to align access to training in the semiconductor industry are enhanced by this grant which will remove barriers to completing training. It’s a win-win for Idahoans and the industry!” Wendi Secrist, Executive Director, Idaho Workforce Development Council. The WFPA program is the first of several anticipated workforce program funding opportunities to be offered through the NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence. With a $250 million investment from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the WCoE will lead collaborative efforts with NSTC consortium members to drive innovation and significantly bolster the U.S. semiconductor workforce development ecosystem to strengthen America’s national security, economy, and global competitiveness. To learn more about the Idaho Technology Council and the Enhanced Access to the Semiconductor Industry in Idaho (EASII), visit www.IdahoTechCouncil.org . To learn more about the NSTC Workforce Partner Alliance program, the NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence, or other workforce funding opportunities, please visit www.natcast.org/workforce . White House announcement: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2024/09/biden-harris-administration-launches-nstc-workforce-center-excellence ### ABOUT IDAHO TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL The Idaho Technology Council (ITC) is the industry voice driving innovation in the state of Idaho. The ITC is a member driven organization; committed to the success of Idaho’s technology ecosystem and leading Idaho to a knowledge-based economy. The primary initiatives of the ITC are focused on the continued growth of innovation, transforming Idaho’s future around Talent, Access to Capital, and R&D/Commercialization. The ITC is instrumental in building advocacy needed to persuade legislators and private industry to invest in high return initiatives that are necessary to propel new companies forward, along with retention and growth with existing companies. ABOUT NATCAST Natcast is the purpose-built, non-profit entity created to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), established by the CHIPS and Science Act of the U.S. government. The NSTC is a public-private consortium dedicated to semiconductor R&D in the United States. It convenes the U.S. government, allied and partner nations, and organizations across the semiconductor ecosystem—including academia and businesses of all kinds—to address the most challenging barriers to continued technological progress in the domestic semiconductor industry, including the need for a capable workforce. The NSTC reflects a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the U.S. to drive the pace of innovation, set standards, and re-establish global leadership in semiconductor design and manufacturing. Learn more at www.natcast.org . Email: info@idahotechcouncil.org Website: https://www.idahotechcouncil.org/

Introducing Gary Stringham, Chief Paperless Pusher  Describe the business/organization you work for For two decades, companies have attempted to get their customers to switch to paperless bills and statements. However, most studies show that 50 to 70 percent still get paper copies. Cubby Paperless has developed patented technology which delivers paperless copies via an online platform. This service helps businesses and end consumers reduce their environmental impact while improving efficiency in their businesses and lives. What inspired you to start your own business, or why did you decide to work for this specific organization? I was an end consumer getting my bills and statements on paper but was nagged by companies to go paperless. But I had also been an engineer in Hewlett-Packard's printer business and I knew the cost of paper, printing, and postage and why companies were trying so hard to get their customers to switch. I saw that today's solutions were having an opposing effect on each other, leaving one side winning at the expense of the other. Eventually I developed a solution that made it a win-win for both sides, and I started Cubby Paperless to deliver that win-win service. What sets this business apart from others in the industry? Businesses delivering paperless bills and statements only deliver their own, forcing end consumers to log into several company websites, many of which are cumbersome, to get their paperless copy. Cubby consolidates these documents from multiple companies and delivers them to end consumers under one login. A few other companies have tried to provide the consolidating service but have been forced to shutter their operations due to increasing cybersecurity requirements. Using the patented technology, Cubby acquires the documents in a more secure manner and provides them to the end consumers. What challenges have you faced as a business owner or employee, and how did you overcome them? Cubby has a B2C side and it has been warmly received by end consumers, most of whom cannot wait to get their bills and statements on Cubby. However, Cubby also has a B2B side, in that companies need to sign on for Cubby. The B2B sales process of finding and talking to the right person within a company, and making a sale, is a challenge, especially for an "enginerd". What advice would you give to someone looking to join your industry? When starting a company, it helps to have a good handle on the market, the problem, and existing solutions. While I would not have considered myself an expert in the paper and paperless bill and statement industry in the beginning, I know a lot more now and can speak confidently on the subject. Don't be shy about looking into what appears to be a competitor or a competing solution. By understanding it in depth, you will learn more and can strengthen your own offering. Connect with Gary on LinkedIn HERE Check out Cubby Paperless on their website HERE

Introducing Layne Lewis, President, Willowview Consulting. Describe the business/organization you work for Founded in 2003 by Mrs. Layne Lewis, Willowview has worked hard to earn the trust of clients ranging from privately held large corporations to small technology start-up companies and large government agencies. Our team works with our clients to develop innovative strategies and tactics to achieve success. Our team offers “edge to app” engineering and product development services from ideation to deployment. We currently provide engineering solutions and program management to commercial companies in the United States and around the world. Our staff brings a wealth of experience from both the government and commercial arenas to fully understand product definition, development, and acquisition processes. We are highly skilled at solving technical problems efficiently through our “Just Enough” engineering methodology and an agile engineering approach – together with rapid prototyping – we’ll get the right solution into customer’s hands quickly and at lower cost. Our staff has a diverse background and education. Our team includes previous Special Operations Forces Operators; Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical and Systems Engineers; Computer Science and Information Systems experts, as well as Data Scientists and Programmers. What inspired you to start your own business, or why did you decide to work for this specific organization? From a young age, I was fascinated by aerospace engineering and the vast frontiers of space. After graduating college with a degree in the field, my dream came true when I landed a role at Booz Allen Hamilton supporting NASA's Space Station Program.For the next nine years, I gained invaluable experience working as a systems engineer on some of NASA's most high-profile missions. I was based out of offices in Reston, VA, Houston, TX, and Huntsville, AL - getting up close to various NASA centers' operations and gaining diverse technical expertise. When tragedy struck and I lost my father in 1993, it prompted deep reflection on my priorities. By that point married with two young sons, I realized I wanted a career path allowing greater personal relevance. We moved to Idaho in 1995 so I could join Hewlett-Packard, hoping for a better work-life fit. However, at HP I found myself performing repetitive tasks that failed to fulfill my entrepreneurial spirit. Determined to work at my own pace, I pursued an MBA with HP's sponsorship. I co-founded her first company in 2002 and rediscovered the gratification of pushing boundaries through innovation - igniting my drive as a businesswoman committed to enabling progress both professionally and personally for others. I have become a serial entrepreneur, starting 7 companies - clearly, it's in my blood! What sets this business apart from others in the industry? Our ability to work with very diverse customers - those who understand the technologies being evaluated, and those who do not - to distill very hard tech and complex issues into manageable projects, and to deliver rapid prototypes of solutions is a formidable task, and one that we excel at. For both government and commercial clients, we are trusted with a hard problem set, a budget and a timeline - and we do not fail to deliver. What challenges have you faced as a business owner or employee, and how did you overcome them? Ha! SO many! 2020 and COVID was an absolute joy (said no one ever!). One of our clients called me and told me he was going to stop paying me and I needed to still do the work for him but I could use the "government paycheck protection funds". What - what? that taught me a lot - how to manage through intense fear and stress, how to hold to my ethical lines, and how to work more effectively as a team. I remember bringing all of the employees into the conversations during that year, where we had to make some very hard decisions, and realizing that we were all in this together so we could all add value to the discussions-I did not have to do it all alone as the CEO. It made all of the difference, and we evolved as an even stronger team on the other side! What advice would you give to someone looking to join your industry? Come on, let's go! Working to solve hard problems is the most fun job ever!! I love my job and encourage anyone who is interested to shadow an engineer for a day! Connect with Layne on LinkedIn HERE Check out Willowview Consulting on their website HERE

Introducing Travis B. Hawkes, Managing Partner at Capital Eleven. More on Travis and Capital Eleven Travis is a successful entrepreneur, seed investor, fundraiser, business strategist, and problem solver. As a “deal junkie,” he is always on the lookout to find win/win partnerships and create value and excellence for all involved. He has worked in private equity, venture capital, real estate development, retail operations, public relations, and political strategy. Travis currently serves as Managing Partner at Capital Eleven and Capital Auto Loan, as Chairman of the Sports Fan Group (a retail chain holding company), as a fund manager for C11 related investments, and as a Board Member, mentor, and advisor to multiple portfolio companies. A strong believer and defender of company culture, Travis inspires others through leadership, vision, and excitement. Travis earned his BBA in Business Management at the Boise State University College of Business and Economics and is a passionate Broncos fan. He loves steak tacos, his iPhone, and sneakers (Jordans and Kobes). Travis was born and raised in Boise, is married with three children, and lives in Meridian. What Capital Eleven Does: Capital Eleven is an investment firm specializing in private equity, early-stage venture capital, and real estate development. Capital Eleven's Ethos: Our ethos centers on investing in people. We firmly believe that the success of any endeavor lies in the individuals driving it. Capital Eleven's Mission: We strive to create a brighter future, fostering excellence, integrity, and positive transformation in the industries and communities we serve. Connect with Travis on LinkedIn HERE Check out Capital Eleven on their website HERE

For Immediate Release: August 22, 2024 Boise, Idaho, - RAIMONDI AND MULHERN TO BE INDUCTED INTO IDAHO TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL HALL OF FAME, WITH ALEX “SPIFF” SEDRICK, Rugby 7s, OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDALIST, TEAM USA AS KEYNOTE SPEAKER Rich Raimondi, Founding Chair of the Idaho Technology Council (ITC), serving over 30 years with Hewlett Packard and George Mulhern, former CEO at Cradlepoint, and current member of the Executive Board of the ITC, are the 2024 inductees into the Idaho Technology Council (ITC) Hall of Fame . Since 2010, the ITC has honored iconic Idahoans who have advanced society and created a lasting impact in Idaho’s technology ecosystem. “This year’s inductees exemplify what is awesome about Idaho,” said Jay Larsen, ITC founder and former president. “Rich and George were both recruited to Idaho by Hewlett Packard (HP) and have been tremendous leaders growing innovation and mentoring and developing talent. I have great fondness and admiration for them. These two truly have their fingerprints all over the local innovative ecosystem.” Rich is a dual retiree - in 2008, after 30 years with Hewlett-Packard, 16 of which he served as a Vice President/Senior Vice President in several businesses inside HP and, again in 2022, after 12 years serving as president of Bishop Kelly High School. He currently serves on the boards of St. Luke’s Health System; LED, a project-based arts nonprofit (Chair), the Idaho Film Society (Vice-Chair), the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights and the College of Idaho Advisory Council. He was the founding chair of the Idaho Technology Council from 2010 - 2015 and has also served on the boards of the Treasure Valley’s Education Partnership, Trey McIntyre Project, Treasure Valley YMCA and Vision for the Valley. George retired from his role as the CEO of Cradlepoint and Ericsson’s Enterprise Wireless Solutions Global Business Unit in July 2024. He joined Cradlepoint in 2011 and worked with an exceptionally talented team to build the company into the global leader for enterprise cellular wide-area networking. In November of 2020 the company was acquired by Ericsson. Prior to joining Cradlepoint, George spent three years as a General Partner at Highway 12 Ventures, a Boise based venture capital firm. He began his career in technology at Hewlett Packard, where he spent 20 years and had the opportunity to lead several HP businesses. His last position with HP was as Senior Vice President, leading the LaserJet Global Business Unit. George currently serves as an Independent Board Director for Cambia Health Solutions, Regence Blue Shield of Idaho and Tracer - a Boise based brand security company. He also serves on the Executive Board of the ITC. George was a member of Idaho Governor Kempthorne’s Science and Technology Advisory Council and a member of Idaho Governor Little’s Cyber Security Task Force. Raimondi and Mulhern will be honored at the 2024 Hall of Fame scheduled for October 11, at the Boise Centre. Community members may purchase tables and tickets at www.idahotechcouncil.org /events or email info@idahotechcouncil.org for more information. “We invite the Idaho community to attend to honor the inductees and honor the former inductees who have shaped the Idaho Technology Council as well as the Idaho tech ecosystem. It will be a night to celebrate the 15 th year, “A Timeless Return” and to network, make connections, and hear from this year’s keynote speaker, Olympian, Alex “Spiff” Sedrick, TEAM USA Rugby team”, said Diane Bevan, new ITC President and CEO. The Hall of Fame and Idavation™ Awards Gala is made possible by Presenting Sponsor Idaho Central Credit Union ; Idavation™ Awards Sponsor Scoggin Capital Investment ; Keynote Speaker Sponsor Dorsey & Whitney ; and Inductee Sponsors Regence BlueShield of Idaho and Idaho State University . The VIP reception and Public Policy champion sponsor is Micron . Community sponsors include Meta, St. Luke’s Health System, Technology Credit Union, and Beneficient/Ataraxis PEO . The 2024 Idavation™ Award Finalists are: Mt. Borah Award, which is given to a leader who has expanded the horizons of Idaho’s technology and entrepreneurial community. Andrew Crapuchettes, RedBalloon Jason Crawforth, Swear Lisa Grow, Idaho Power The Hells Canyon Emerging Company Award , which recognizes a company that experienced a daunting journey to achieve success. Hidden Mountain Data Red Aspen Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance The Peregrine Innovative Technology Award , which showcases an innovative technology that has been launched successfully. Bastian Solutions Idaho National Laboratory Silverdraft Swear ABOUT THE IDAHO TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL The Idaho Technology Council (ITC) is the industry voice driving innovation in the state of Idaho. The ITC is a member driven organization; committed to the success of Idaho’s technology ecosystem and leading Idaho to a knowledge-based economy. The primary initiatives of the ITC are focused on the continued growth of innovation, transforming Idaho’s future around Talent, Access to Capital, and R&D/Commercialization. The ITC is instrumental in building advocacy needed to persuade legislators and private industry to invest in high return initiatives that are necessary to propel new companies forward, along with retention and growth with existing companies. Email: info@idahotechcouncil.org Website: https://www.idahotechcouncil.org/

Introducing Aaron Brinton, Chief Strategy Officer at Ventive. Aaron has over 30 years of experience in business development, software engineering, and information technology. Email: aaron@getventive.com Website: https://www.getventive.com More on Aaron and Ventive… Describe your organization: Ventive is a renowned digital product agency specializing in high-fidelity software solutions, including SaaS, web, mobile, platform, eCommerce, UX/UI, AI & Machine Learning, and CRM products for clients ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies worldwide. We focus on really learning about our customer problem space so that we can provide the most value in the solutions we build. We act as a partner rather than just a vendor. Our 96% success rate of getting customer digital products to market over the last decade is a clear testament to our commitment to our clients. What inspired you to work for your organization? As a leader in technology for over 30 years, I have watched most technologists chase problems with solutions. I’m proud to work at an organization with such a strong focus on the customer, discovery, and validation of design. What sets your business apart from others in your industry? We are a premier digital product agency. We don’t just build applications. We take an idea or existing proof of concept and we get it to market and growth. We’re building valuable companies. What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them? Everyone is in sales. I wish I had realized this when I was 20. Most of my failures both as an entrepreneur and as an employee were directly related to thinking otherwise. Learning to communicate my value and how to close negotiations was a game changer. What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own business? There are a lot of empty talkers. Start your career building and delivering things — lots of things. This gives you the credibility you need to lead and speak effectively. Aaron's bio... Aaron has over 30 years of experience in business development, software engineering, and information technology. He has certifications in cybersecurity and cloud architecture, development, and operations. In addition to working in techn ical leadership for Fortune 500 companies such as Sprint and ADP, Aaron has been involved as key management and primary software architect in several startups, including companies focused on network services, data mining and reporting, and customer relationship management. Aaron has also led multiple efforts building enterprise applications for the Department of Defense (Intelligence Community), including getting systems authorized and deployed into classified networks. Aaron served as a nuclear engineer in the United States Navy and is a veteran of Desert Storm. While he is a strong technologist, Aaron’s passion is customer engagement and success. As the Chief Strategy Officer at Ventive, he is able to leverage the organization’s technical capabilities to drive customer value. Be sure to check out Aaron using the social media links below. If you are interested in learning more about Ventive, please check out their website or contact Aaron using the email listed above. Connect with Aaron on LinkedIn Here

Introducing Matt Archer, the Founder of Tech Hub and new Idaho Technology Council member. Matt is also serving on the 2024 Hall of Fame Committee as the AV Project Lead. Email: matt.archer@techhub.us Website: https://www.techhub.us More on Matt and Tech Hub… Describe your organization: Tech Hub is a B2B Technology Solutions Company. We make buying business technology and tools a breeze. Partnering with you to remove friction and scale your business. Simple. Smart. Tech Hub. What inspired you to start your own business? I started TechHub to simplify technology procurement for resellers to help their customers. I saw the difficulties they faced in sourcing and purchasing tech solutions and wanted to create a B2B SaaS platform that removes these obstacles, making it easier for them to grow their businesses. What sets your business apart from others in your industry? TechHub’s patent pending AI-driven recommendation system is tailored for technology resellers. Our platform streamlines the procurement process, saving time and ensuring the best solutions for clients. We focus on eliminating friction and enabling scalability. What challenges have you faced as a new business owner, and how did you overcome them? Building TechHub from the ground up has been challenging. It required funding, a skilled team, and a strong vision. I overcame these challenges with perseverance, leveraging my network, and continuously iterating based on feedback from early adopters. My faith and resilience in the vision have been crucial in this journey. What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own business? Understand your target market and their pain points. Focus on creating valuable, simplified solutions. Networking is key—build strong professional relationships. Stay adaptable and open to feedback, keep learning, and be persistent in pursuing your vision. Feel free to reach out if I can help make any introduction or just would like to connect. Be sure to check out Matt using the social media links below. If you are interested in learning more about Tech Hub, please check out their website or contact Matt using the email listed above. 

Introducing Eric Crawford from IFP Connect, an organization that manufactures patented fiberoptic hardware that revolutionizes how buildings are wired for data networks. As the name suggests, Integrated Fiber Platform’s hardware allows buildings to be wired entirely with fiber instead of copper for data networks, reducing costs, improving performance, and increasing efficiency. Their patented transceivers install in less time and deliver a lower cost than traditional copper category cable and connectors. IFP Connect’s products allow architects, builders, and building owners to deliver a better data network at the same or lower cost. Crawford, as the CEO, is a former low voltage contractor and engineer, and uses these past responsibilities to revolutionize how buildings are wired! Email: eric.crawford@ifpconnect.com Website: https://ifpconnect.com/ More on Eric and IFP Connect… Describe your organization: We manufacture patented products that revolutionize the data networks within a building by allowing them to be wired with fiber instead of copper, saving time and money, while delivering a better solution to the customer. We just received our first of four patents this month, and are excited to get in front of more trades to show them the value of using fiber instead of copper for their data and computer networks. What inspired you to start your own business? This is the second business I started. The first one was a smart home company that served high end residential and light commercial around the Treasure Valley. I sold that business in 2023 to launch IFP Connect, because the data networking industry needs a modern solution to address the vast limitations of category cable. What sets your business apart from others in your industry? We are the only company manufacturing products that allow buildings to be wired entirely with fiber, allowing the building to support the network needs of tomorrow. What challenges have you faced as a new business owner, and how did you overcome them? I am an operations guy through and through, so I am having a hard time developing sales channels and a customer base. Although I am capable of doing it, it is not my superpower like operations is. What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own business? However hard you think it will be, it is still harder. The emotional battles are deep, it is often lonely, and many times you have to make a decision with limited information. Starting a business is for those that want to go against the grain, want to tip over the apple cart, and are self-motivated, even in the presence of wide-spread doubt. The best part is that each day is 100% up to you. The worst part is that 100% of everything that happens with the company is your fault. However after 18 years in entrepreneurship, I don't think I could ever go back to a regular job. Be sure to check out Eric using the social media links below. If you are interested in learning more about IFP, please check out their website or contact Eric using the email listed above.

Idaho Students Participate in 2024 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference Students from across Idaho were invited to participate in America’s preeminent workforce development event. The 2024 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference was held in June in Atlanta for career and technical students from across the nation. 197 Idahoans attended, including 95 student competitors. At the conference, students participated either as competitors or as voting delegates. Competitors focused on one skill area, while delegates represented their state and conducted the business of the organization. Most students had opportunities to meet with business and industry representatives as part of their events. Thousands of students competed in 115 occupational and leadership skill areas at the annual event. The main contest days were June 26-27 with other days set aside for orientation, interviews and written tests. The event concluded with an awards ceremony on June 28. Students also interacted with business and industry representatives, heard from government officials and attended educational sessions. Idaho students worked hard throughout the week. The following is a list of the Idaho students that received awards in their competition, as well as their school’s name: Gold Medalists Welding Fabrication : Emma Salka, Caleb Williams, and Joseph Wood - Bringham Young University - Idaho Automated Manufacturing Technology: Jonathan Coy, Joel Fillmore, and Peter Munk - College of Southern Idaho Electronics Technology: Joshua Makuch – Dennis Technical Education Center Computer Programming: Kayden Humphries – Meridian Technical Charter High School Web Design and Development: Rhys Jordan and Steven Shoen – Meridian Technical Charter High School Collision Repair Technology: Jonathon Brunko – North Idaho College Silver Medalists Telecommunications Cabling : Aaron Cockrell – Dennis Technical Education Center Bronze Medalists Heavy Equipment Operation: Parker Osterhout – Cassia Regional Technical Center Entrepreneurship : Sydney Cooper, Bailey Hayes, Natalie Klucken, Jessica Mercier – College of Southern Idaho Telecommunications Cabling: Tony Ha – College of Western Idaho Electronics Technology: Ty Linder – Dennis Technical Education Center In addition to the competition awards, Bailey Jensen from Boise State University was elected to serve as a SkillsUSA National Officer for the 2024-2025 year, and Dr. Harold Nevill was awarded the SkillsUSA Honorary Life Membership Award for 30 years of service and dedication to SkillsUSA and Idaho CTE programs. About SkillsUSA SkillsUSA is America’s proud champion of the skilled trades. It’s a student-led partnership of education and industry that’s building the skilled workforce our nation depends on with graduates who are career ready, day one. Representing over 380,000 career and technical education students and teachers, SkillsUSA chapters thrive in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. SkillsUSA’s mission empowers students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. That mission is accomplished through the SkillsUSA Framework of Personal Skills, Workplace Skills and Technical Skills Grounded in Academics, which is integrated into classroom curriculum. Through Framework instruction, students develop the character-shaping leadership skills — teamwork, communication, professionalism and more — that successful careers and lives demand. At the same time, students hone their high-level technical skills against current industry standards in more than 130 skilled trade areas, from 3-D Animation to Welding. The result? Focused, confident and highly skilled graduates who are ready to work, ready to lead and ready to make a difference in our schools, workplaces and communities. A vital solution to the skills gap, where more in-demand skilled trades positions are available than qualified professionals to fill them, SkillsUSA has served over 14 million difference-making members since 1965. For more, visit www.skillsusa.org.