Codefi and Missouri State University - West Plains Announce Credit Articulation Agreement for Code Labs Graduates
May 30, 2025
[Cape Girardeau, MO] — codefi, a tech venture and workforce development firm founded in Cape Girardeau with an additional office in Springfield, has announced a new articulation agreement with Missouri State University–West Plains (MSU-WP)1 that will allow graduates of codefi’s Code Labs2 program to earn 14 credit hours toward an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Information Science and Technology.
This agreement expands educational access for adult learners seeking in-demand tech careers and builds on codefi’s ongoing efforts to connect learners throughout Missouri with academic and employment opportunities through its Innovate SOMO3 initiative.
“We’re thrilled to partner with MSU-West Plains and provide our graduates a way to continue their education with recognized college credit,” said Cara Dirnberger, Adult Education Director at codefi. “This is about unlocking opportunity—both in the tech workforce and through higher education—for learners who may not otherwise have access.”
The agreement was made possible through the leadership of Cathy Boys, Dean for Career and Technical Education at MSU-West Plains, who emphasized the university’s commitment to innovative pathways for career advancement.
“This partnership is a win-win for our students and our region,” said Boys. “By recognizing the value of the Code Labs curriculum, we are helping adult learners accelerate their progress toward a degree while gaining real-world, job-ready skills. It's a meaningful step toward strengthening our local tech workforce.”
About the Program
Code Labs: Full-Stack Web Development is a free, one-year, adult education program offered by codefi. It prepares individuals for entry-level web development roles through instruction in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Ruby on Rails, and more. Learners receive mentorship, complete a capstone project, and build a professional portfolio that demonstrates real-world experience.
While many graduates go directly into tech jobs, the new articulation agreement gives those who want to pursue a college degree an accelerated pathway to do so—with no additional cost for the 14 awarded credit hours.
This is the fourth articulation agreement codefi has established with a Missouri college, with similar partnerships already in place at Mineral Area College4 and Crowder College.5
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About codefi
Codefi6 is a nationally recognized tech-based development non-profit organization that specializes in deploying an innovation ecosystem in rural and smaller metro regions. The integrated system of programs and tech services produces high-quality jobs by building and attracting software-focused companies, educating and training tech and founder talent, and providing access to pre-seed capital that expands the tech economy and improves the quality of lives, companies, and communities.
About Missouri State University - West Plains
Missouri State University - West Plains is a public, open-access, two-year college in the Missouri State University System. Located in the heart of the Ozarks, MSU–West Plains offers associate degrees, workforce development programs, and seamless transfer pathways to four-year institutions. With a focus on student success, affordability, and community impact, the campus provides a supportive learning environment that prepares students for meaningful careers and continued education.