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Aug 27, 2026

Jackson High School Students Will Build Working Software for Local Businesses in New Codefi Partnership

Codefi joins Jackson R-2's IGNITE CAPS business pathway, where juniors and seniors design and deploy AI-built applications that solve real operational problems for Cape Girardeau County employers

JACKSON, MO. — August 27, 2026 — Jackson High School juniors and seniors in the IGNITE CAPS business pathway started a new Business Solutions course on August 26, built and delivered in partnership with Codefi. Over the course, associates will design, build, and deploy working software applications — some for local businesses solving specific operational problems, some as tools the associates build for their own use.

The course opened with a review of project expectations and a Q&A session with Codefi staff. Associates will use AI coding tools to move from problem statement to functioning business solution, the same build methodology Codefi uses with adult founders across southern Missouri.

The distinction matters. Associates will not write about software. They will ship it.

"Most tech curriculum stops at the tutorial," said James Stapleton, Founder and CEO of Codefi. "These associates will deliver a working AI solution to a business owner in Jackson who has a problem worth solving. That is a portfolio, a reference, and a skill an employer can verify — before graduation."


Why software, and why now

AI coding tools have collapsed the distance between an idea and a working software prototype. A task that required a trained developer and a multi-week timeline can now be built, tested, and revised by someone who understands the problem clearly and can direct the tools well.

That shifts what a business needs from an entry-level hire. Automating repetitive work, structuring data so it can be read quickly, and turning a recurring operational headache into a tool are now baseline skills rather than specialist ones.

The Business Solutions course puts associates on the correct side of that shift while they are still in high school.


What associates will finish with

  • Deployed applications. Working software, not slide decks or wireframes.

  • Client experience. Associates matched with local businesses will scope a problem, ask the follow-up questions, deliver, and take feedback — the actual work of solution delivery.

  • Transferable method. The tools will change. Knowing how to define a problem precisely enough to build against it does not.


Local businesses: the course needs problems to solve

Cape Girardeau County businesses with a recurring operational problem — a manual process, a spreadsheet that has outgrown itself, scheduling or intake friction, reporting that eats hours every week — can submit it for consideration as an associate project.

Businesses interested in submitting a challenge should contact Codefi at araney@jackson.k12.mo.us. There is no cost to participating businesses; access is sponsored by Codefi.


About the IGNITE CAPS program

IGNITE is Jackson R-2 School District's profession-based learning program at Jackson High School, part of the national Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) network. The program places a selected group of juniors and seniors — known within the program as associates — into industry-specific coursework, real-world projects, and professional skill-building across multiple career pathways. Jackson R-2 partners with Southeast Missouri State University to offer college credit through the program, and associates earn Market Value Assets: industry-recognized credentials and experience. IGNITE launched in the 2025-26 school year.


About Codefi

Codefi eliminates the skills and opportunity gaps preventing talent and entrepreneurs from thriving in the digital economy. Based in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Codefi has supported 100+ startups, helped founders raise $60M+ in follow-on capital, trained 1,000+ tech and AI learners, and generated $100M+ in total economic impact across southern Missouri. Learn fast. Build right. Gain traction.



About Codefi

Codefi Foundation on Rural Innovation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit building Missouri’s AI-ready workforce and innovation economy. Through AI skills training, startup studio programs, AI development services, and organizational transformation, Codefi equips businesses, founders, tech talent, and communities with the tools to compete in the digital economy. Headquartered in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Codefi serves communities statewide and partners with organizations across the country. Learn more at codefiworks.com.



Media contact

Shana Burden · shana@codefiworks.com · codefiworks.com · 573-837-4590

Learn fast. Build right. Gain traction.

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