From Learning English to Leading AI: A JAG-K Graduate's Remarkable Journey

When Jacob Rico arrived in Kansas from Mexico, he faced the challenges of learning a new language and navigating an unfamiliar school system. Today, he travels internationally, helping major companies harness the power of artificial intelligence.

His journey from Holcomb High School to a global technology career demonstrates what happens when determination meets opportunity.

"I came from Mexico just a few years before I joined JAG-K," Rico recalled. "Through JAG-K and other programs, I was able to kind of navigate myself through high school to figure out what I wanted to do after high school."

Despite entering school with limited English proficiency, Rico excelled academically and became a leader among his peers. His classmates and teachers nominated him as their most inspirational student.

"He was an amazing student," recalled Rebecca Cornett, his former JAG-K Career Specialist. "I don't know that he even realized how amazing he was."

Rico graduated with a 4.0 GPA and became the first recipient of the JAG-K Senior Scholarship.

"It was an honor to award Jacob the very first JAG-K Senior Scholarship ten years ago. Through the application process, I came to know him as a highly self-motivated and inspiring young man," Mortimer stated when reflecting on the selection process. "Despite facing various adversities, he consistently maintained a positive attitude and turned every opportunity into a learning experience." 

Bev Mortimer, Jacob Rico, and Chuck Knapp smile for a photo with a tiger mascot after Rico was awarded his scholarship.

Turning Opportunities Into Success

After graduating in 2017, Rico attended Garden City Community College, studying pre-engineering. Through the Bridges STEM program, he secured an internship at Kansas State University that opened another door.



"Because I was able to do well in the program, it allowed me to get a full ride scholarship at Kansas State University," Rico explained.

Following his graduation from Kansas State in 2021, Rico launched a career in technology. Today, he serves as a Senior Solutions Engineer for Databricks, working with companies throughout Latin America to implement artificial intelligence and manage data.

"Now I'm working in Miami implementing data in AI for all these Latino companies," Rico said. "I go to different countries, I go to Colombia, Brazil, Costa Rica, helping all these big companies implement AI and govern the data."

Rico speaking at Databricks Live, a launch event for Databricks in Argentina.

Turning Opportunities Into Success

For Mortimer, Rico's journey illustrates the lasting impact of helping students recognize their potential, develop essential skills, and embrace new experiences.

"Jacob never hesitated to step outside his comfort zone. He embraced opportunities, built relationships, and turned challenges into stepping stones for success," Mortimer reflected. "He created a formula for success that I hope other students will follow. I couldn't be prouder of Jacob and his Career Specialist, Rebecca, who helped him navigate his journey."

From learning English in a Kansas classroom to helping international companies navigate artificial intelligence, Rico's story demonstrates that opportunity, determination, and the right support can open doors far beyond what a student might initially imagine.

His journey began with learning to navigate a new world. Today, he's helping businesses navigate the future.

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Kansas’ 121 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,700 students in 54 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success. 

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include but are not limited to; AT&T, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, John Deere, Johnson County Community College, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, Mark One Electric, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart. 

To learn more about JAG-K, visit www.jagkansas.org, or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.