ITCA Students Make Their Mark at BPA National Leadership Conference 

Five Idaho Technical Career Academy (ITCA) students recently showcased their talent and professionalism on a national stage at the 2025 Business Professionals of America (BPA) National Leadership Conference, held May 7-11 in Orlando, Florida. 

After advancing through regional and state competitions, four students competed in national events, while two also participated in the BPA Leadership Academy. This experience was designed to strengthen communication, teamwork, and professional growth. Senior Job earned one of the conference’s highest honors — the Ambassador Torch Award — along with a $1,000 scholarship from the National Technical Honor Society. 

“My experience with Business Professionals of America has been incredibly impactful on my personal and professional leadership journeys,” Job shared. “Beyond the awards, BPA helped me grow socially and professionally. I went from being a shy freshman to a comfortable speaker with a strong network of professionals that will continue to actively aid me in the pursuit of my future career.” 

Representing ITCA at Nationals: 

• Job (12th grade) – Integrated Office Applications & Advanced Office Systems and Procedures 
• Emrie (10th grade) – Health Research Presentation 
• Lila (12th grade) – Fundamentals of Web Design 
• Corin (11th grade) – Legal Office Procedures 
• Lu (12th grade) – BPA Leadership Academy participant 

Student Reflections: Growth, Confidence & Connection 

For Emrie, the national conference offered more than just competition; it was a chance to connect with the larger BPA community. 

“Attending NLC was an unforgettable experience; it’s where everyone’s hard work pays off,” she said. “It’s a place where the BPA community comes together, letting you meet people who share your drive, learn new skills and discover many new opportunities. Being there helped me grow as a leader and showed me how far I’ve come this past year.” 

Lu appreciated the full range of learning and connection the event offered. 

“I loved connecting with students from across the country and experiencing everything nationals had to offer, from leadership sessions to exploring Florida,” she said. “One of the highlights was cheering on our very own Job as he served in a national office. It was a great balance of learning, networking and making lifelong memories.” 

Corin reflected on the lasting impact of the experience: 

“Being in BPA and attending nationals has helped me build so much more confidence than I would have ever built on my own,” she said. “Even though at the start it was scary, it’s become such a gift to be there and be surrounded by such amazing people. Every person I’ve met has been so kind and welcoming in every way. The community and the culture there is something so special, and I’m privileged to be able to experience it.” 

Supporting Students with Purpose 

Shelly S. Edmunson, Business Education Teacher and BPA Advisor at ITCA, praised the students for their hard work and growth throughout the year. 

“Watching our students represent ITCA on a national level and grow in their personal and professional skills is truly inspiring,” she said. “Their commitment, creativity and drive embody what career and technical education is all about.” 

BPA is the largest career and technical student organization in the country, offering students the chance to develop leadership skills and compete in career-related fields such as business, finance, IT and healthcare. With more than 45,000 members nationwide, BPA provides real-world opportunities to prepare students for the future. 

At ITCA, students across Idaho can explore career fields through hands-on learning and expert guidance. With career pathways in areas like business, health science and IT, students gain the skills, confidence and experience they need to pursue their passions all while earning their high school diploma through a flexible, online learning model. 

Explore how ITCA can support your student’s journey. Visit our How It Works page to learn more about enrollment options and career-focused learning at ITCA. 

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