As part of Phase 4, ITS assumed responsibility for technology support for the Idaho Military Division, which includes the Idaho Youth Challenge Academy (IDYCA). Located in the remote town of Pierce, Idaho, IDYCA provides a transformative five-and-a-half month program for at-risk kids ages 15 to 18. Students live onsite, and engage in a military-style environment while attending high school classes. This unique program, coupled with its remote location, presents distinct challenges for ITS in delivering effective technology support.
To address these challenges, a team of ITS engineers visited IDYCA to gain a deeper understanding of its operations and document technology needs. The team included Tim Gates (Service Delivery Manager), Jonathan Orchard (Network Operations), Lucas Tilley (Onsite Support), Andre Beverage (Data Center), Chris Davis (Cameras), Sean Parrish (VoIP), and Kevin Christensen (Data Center Manager). Meetings with IDYCA leaders including Director Trevor Sparrow, Deputy Director Melissa Brouwers, and others provided valuable insights.
The day featured in-depth discussions on critical areas, including:
- Camera system
- Network infrastructure
- Informative tour of the site, including new barracks under construction
- A key highlight was a productive strategy session with IDYCA leadership addressing concerns and brainstorming paths forward
The visit identified several follow-up items, including:
- Review phone system
- Plan server patching
- Address end-of-life replacements
The team proactively addressed the upcoming long-term absence of one of their IT support staff, ensuring a plan is in place to maintain uninterrupted support for IDYCA during this period.
This collaborative effort not only deepened our understanding of IDYCA but also laid the foundation for innovative solutions to support this impactful program in its mission to transform lives
