New Partnership Offers Free College Credits and Career Opportunities
Many readers may not yet be familiar with Codefi, but this Cape Girardeau-based coworking space and technology incubator is making waves with its innovative programs designed to empower individuals and transform communities.
Codefi recently announced an exciting new partnership with Mineral Area College in Park Hills and Crowder College in Neosho, which opens up incredible opportunities for students.
Students who complete the Codefi Code Labs course can now earn articulated credits through these colleges. This partnership is part of Codefi’s Innovate SOMO network, dedicated to unlocking the potential of entrepreneurship and innovation across the southernmost 47 counties in Missouri.
Through this collaboration, students can earn 18 college credit hours—equivalent to six courses—toward an Associate of Arts degree, all while taking advantage of Codefi’s free, one-year adult education program,
What exactly is Code Labs?
It’s a comprehensive full-stack web development program that prepares students for entry-level positions in computer programming. Students learn essential skills in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Ruby on Rails, Angular development, and complete a final coding capstone project.
Cara Dirnberger, Codefi’s Digital Workforce Director, highlights the significant financial benefits of this partnership.
“Our students get high-quality training for free, and now they can transfer to Mineral Area or Crowder and receive 18 college credits at no cost,” Dirnberger explained. “The only expense will be the remaining courses needed for the associate’s degree.”
Many Code Labs graduates immediately enter the workforce, but for those who still want to pursue a degree, this partnership is a game-changer. “Partnering with these colleges made sense because they might not have full computer science departments or may struggle to find qualified instructors,” Dirnberger said. “Our amazing instructors meet those competencies, and the colleges can provide the general education courses needed.” The impact of Codefi’s program is already evident. In 2024 alone, 54 students graduated from Code Labs, earning certificates in full-stack web development.
Mineral Area College and Crowder College are enthusiastic about the partnership, seeing it as a way to enhance their missions and serve their communities better.
Keith Zoromski, MAC’s Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, stated, “By offering expanded academic pathways in computer programming, MAC continues to fulfill its mission to serve the Cape Girardeau community and our broader service region. ”Chett Daniel, Crowder’s Associate Vice President of Workforce and Innovations, echoed this sentiment: “Crowder College’s vision is to change lives and strengthen communities—one person at a time. The vitality of rural areas depends on innovative partnerships to develop skills that create jobs and lead to well-paying careers.”
Looking ahead, Codefi plans to expand this successful program to other colleges, further broadening access to education and career opportunities.
Don’t miss out on this chance to jumpstart your career in tech and earn college credits for free! For more information on the Code Labs program, visit Codefi Code Labs or contact Cara Dirnberger directly via email at Cara@codefiworks.com or by calling (573) 335-9675. To apply to either partner institution, visit Mineral Area College or Crowder College. Take the first step towards a brighter future with Codefi today!
