BOISE — Three high school students from Idaho Technical Career Academy(ITCA) recently completed a three-day artificial insemination (AI) course at the University of Idaho’s Nancy M. Cummings Research, Extension and Education Center, held in Carmen, Idaho.
The course provided classroom instruction each morning, followed by hands-on application in the afternoon. Students studied reproductive anatomy, learned to use AI tools and techniques, and concluded with certification coursework. The AI-certified students are currently preparing to take Idaho’s state licensure exam later this month.
Among the participants were ITCA FFA President Amelia Cox of Meridian, Erica Ford of Caldwell, and Seth Sanborn of Coeur d’Alene, a reflection of the school’s focus on developing leadership, technical skill, and agricultural literacy in tandem. While most students may not pursue artificial insemination as a primary profession, the certification experience builds valuable knowledge and real-world readiness across a range of agriculture-related careers.
“I heavily enjoyed this class; it was extremely informational and taught me a lot, not only about the reproductive tracts, but also about cattle in general and the laws behind cattle reproduction,” ITCA FFA President Amelia Cox said. “I stepped out of my comfort zone when actually performing AI on heifers and cows, and it taught me to take advantage of the opportunities I have, even when they are different from what I am used to. All of the instructors were amazing, helpful, attentive, and they showed a clear passion for what they do. I appreciated and enjoyed the AI experience.”
The certification enables students to legally work with domestic animals in professional settings and may lead to internships or employment with breeders, dairies, embryo transfer programs, or agricultural research facilities. It also reinforces ITCA’s broader agriculture pathway, which focuses on animal systems and reproduction in the fall semester and transitions to hands-on poultry husbandry in the spring.
This opportunity was made possible through the leadership of ITCA Agriculture Instructor Abigail Heikes, who earned her own certification in 2022 and advocated for students to gain access to this advanced level of industry training. ITCA was the only school participating on site during this session.
To prepare students in advance, Heikes supplied professional artificial insemination tools and led virtual practice using a custom simulator modeled after the rear anatomy of a cow. This allowed students to gain familiarity with the process before transitioning to live instruction.
Heikes emphasized the broader value of the training.“Artificial insemination is a skill that blends science, precision, and animal husbandry, and it opens the door to so many opportunities in agriculture,” she said. “This kind of training helps students understand genetics, reproduction, and herd management on a deeper level. It’s real-world exposure that strengthens Idaho’s future ag workforce — whether students become technicians, researchers, or producers.”
This program exemplifies ITCA’s commitment to providing high school students with meaningful career experiences that align with Idaho’s workforce needs and position them for future success in agriculture and beyond.
About Idaho Technical Career Academy
Idaho Technical Career Academy (ITCA) provides a career-focused, tuition-free online education for students throughout Idaho in grades 9-12. As a Cognia-accredited charter school, ITCA offers hands-on learning in high-demand fields such as IT, business, and healthcare, allowing students to explore career paths while earning their high school diploma. Powered by K12, a Stride, Inc. portfolio brand, ITCA draws from 25 years of experience in online learning to help students prepare for the future. Learn more at itca.k12.com.
About K12
For 25 years, K12 has been a national leader in online education, serving over three million learners. Dedicated to helping every student reach their full potential through inspired teaching and personalized learning, K12 delivers tech-driven and accessible solutions to prepare students for bright futures. Tuition-free schools and programs are available in 30 states. K12 is a portfolio brand of Stride, Inc.(NYSE: LRN).
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