In 2018, Ricky Junco, a low-wage worker at Goodwill, was given the opportunity to attend a virtual reality programming academy offered by Lobaki, a tech startup, after meeting the founder, Vince Jordan. The classes were funded by a grant from the Mississippi Department of Human Services, facilitated by a private entity called Families First for Mississippi. This initiative was meant to provide job training to underprivileged individuals, including those transitioning out of prison.
Junco and his classmates learned to create immersive experiences in virtual reality, with the goal of teaching practical skills like welding in a safe environment. However, the program came to an abrupt end when the state auditor discovered widespread misspending and theft within the welfare program, including the fraudulent transfer of funds to entities like Lobaki.
Despite the scandal, Junco and several other participants were able to find employment in the tech industry, with Junco himself becoming the director of business development at Lobaki. The academy was not accredited, but students were able to create design portfolios to showcase their skills to potential employers.
Following a legal battle, Lobaki recently settled with MDHS, agreeing to pay back a portion of the grant funds. The company denied any wrongdoing and stated that they settled to avoid further legal costs.
While the initiative was ultimately deemed illegal, Junco views his experience at the academy as a valuable opportunity that led to better job prospects. The case highlights the challenges and ethical implications of using public funds for job training programs, especially in cases where accountability and oversight are lacking.
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Photo credit mississippitoday.org
