Meet former Bootstraps recipient, Dr. Jason Hrcek, who has an interesting educational and life history that all started with a scholarship from Bootstraps way back in 1999 when he graduated from Conifer High School as valedictorian. Jason was a first-generation college student and both his parents applauded his efforts to achieve higher education.

Jason’s education has been a 22-year journey culminating in his many professional successes and personal blessings. Because of the financial support he received from Bootstraps and other sources, Jason was able to graduate from the University of Denver with his only debt being interest-free loans from Bootstraps.

It all began when Jason enrolled in the University of Denver in the fall of 1999. The transition from high school to DU was a challenge, Jason said, because he didn’t have much confidence in himself.  He didn’t make many friends his first year because he lived at home to save money and to help care for his mother who was having health issues. To bolster his confidence, Jason reminded himself that not everyone is chosen valedictorian of their senior class. That thought did the trick!

After a couple of months, Jason adjusted to life at DU.  He received good grades and his confidence built. He graduated summa cum laude with a major in molecular biology and minors in physics and chemistry.  Jason joined multiple clubs: pre-med club, various honor societies, and he volunteered for Littleton Centura and University Hospitals. 

Jason had always dreamed of becoming a doctor, but his life path, natural skills, and talents led him to the field of health business administration. He said, "Looking back, I never imagined that I would have gone that direction with health information technology (HIT) as my field of expertise." This change created a stepping-stone to even more opportunities along his career path.

Along his educational journey, Jason suffered an incident that caused physical trauma to his head and loss of memory. It took many years to recover and adapt. As happens often in life, with the challenges came many accomplishments. Jason earned a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology from DU, a master of education degree and a master of business administration degree specializing in health industry leadership from Regis University, and a doctor of business administration degree from Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.

Jason began his consulting career at Cognizant TriZetto Healthcare Products corporate training division, learning technology and training other colleagues. Dr. Hrcek is now the senior consultant at AXIOM Systems, which he calls his dream job. He manages technology, operations, and data analytics. Jason loves his leadership role in the healthcare industry.  He works from home and foresees his next logical career step in executive leadership. 

In addition to his consulting career with AXIOM Systems, Jason is an instructor with Regis University’s Division of Health Services Education. He has aspirations to continue research and to publish his research in partnership with his mentor from Creighton University.

Jason lives in Colorado and he and his wife of 14 years, Cheryl, have two sons, Justin and Julius.  He credits his family and his faith for his inspiration and motivation and is thankful for the blessings he has received.  He praises Bootstraps for believing in him as a first-generation college student. The scholarship and loans he received from Bootstraps started his educational journey and was vital to him in getting to the place he is today. At age 18, he didn’t know how or where to begin. Jason is thankful for his life success due to the hand up he received from Bootstraps.