Saint Francis Healthcare System President and CEO Justin Davison discusses Saint Francis' role in Jackson R-2 School District's new IGNITE program
The Jackson R-2 School District unveiled a new program called IGNITE at the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast on March 21, 2025. It is a profession-based learning program at Jackson High School that allows students to explore a variety of career options while learning industry-specific content, experiencing real-world projects, gaining confidence in vital professional skills, and making connections that will benefit the future of the student, business, and community.
The program will be offered to a select group of juniors and seniors and is part of the national Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) network. Fifty-five Jackson High School students applied and were interviewed, and 30 students were chosen to participate in an internship-type experience. Jackson will focus on two career paths for the 2025-2026 school year: education and health care.
Saint Francis Healthcare System has partnered with the Jackson R-2 School District to provide a clinical and classroom experience. Students will train on-site at the hospital under the guidance of a classroom teacher and clinical professional, providing real-world learning about all aspects of the medical industry.
Students interested in pursuing a career in education will be placed in the classrooms of current Jackson R-2 teachers as part of a “grow your own” program. This program will encourage students to return to their alma mater for a future teaching career while providing elements of site-based experience similar to what they would receive from a four-year institution.
The Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) programs are nationally recognized, innovative high school programs. Students fast-forward into their future and are fully immersed in a professional working environment and culture. They use real-world tools and are mentored by actual employees in their industry of interest, all while receiving advanced high school credits and college credits, in some cases.
Jackson R-2 will partner with Southeast Missouri State University to offer college credit courses through the IGNITE CAPS program. Students will also walk away with Market Value Assets (MVA), which are defined as industry-valued and recognized skills acquired in high school that create a more seamless transition into postsecondary education or the workplace. Students who leave high school with an MVA are more likely to pursue advanced training or degrees and ultimately become dependable employees once entering the workforce.
Jackson R-2 teacher Ashley Raney will serve as the Coordinator of Career Learning for the IGNITE CAPS program. As coordinator, she will work with the Jackson Leadership team to oversee the program’s overall implementation and success, including curriculum development, student engagement and support, maintaining business partnerships, and managing market-value asset opportunities.
“We are excited to begin the Jackson R-2 IGNITE CAPS program next year. We know that real-world workforce experience will provide our students with an advantage in post-secondary education, pursuit of advanced training, or better prepare them for the workplace. We are also grateful to partner with Saint Francis Medical Center and to put the outstanding teachers of the District to provide experiential learning opportunities from industry experts,” said Dr. Scott Smith. The IGNITE CAPS program also aligns with the District’s mission, which is to graduate life-ready, service-motivated citizens with a passion for learning. For more information on the Jackson R-2 IGNITE CAPS program, please contact info@jr2mail.org or visit https://sites.google.com/jackson.k12.mo.us/ignite
Press release courtesy of Jackson R-2 School District
