Learning Without Limits: How Jones Software Corporation is Revolutionizing AI-Powered Education and Workforce Training

By ICIC | October 30, 2025

When Kenya Brooks-Jones and Kevin Jones founded Jones Software Corporation, they knew they wanted to change the way people learn. What they didn’t anticipate was how their journey would weave together technology, community, and innovation into a story that would earn them the inaugural Intuit Innovation Award.

From Idea to Impact

Jones Software Corporation is a Chicago-based EdTech company that builds an AI-powered, cloud-based learning management ecosystem and virtual classroom for K-12, higher education, and workforce development. Kevin, the company’s CEO, reflects on the early days:  “When we began this journey, I had a notion that we were going to build a widget and everyone would purchase it. Not even close. What we discovered along our journey is that you need a community and ecosystem.”

That ecosystem became ICIC. Introduced to ICIC in 2019 by Kenya Merritt, then Deputy Mayor of Chicago, Jones Software joined the Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) program to strengthen their growth strategies and expand their reach in under-resourced communities.

ICCC, ICIC’s executive education program focused on capital readiness and business capacity building, provided Jones Software with mentorship, strategic networking, and financial education. Kevin explains: 

“The ICCC program equipped us with the tools, insights, and connections needed to further our mission of delivering AI-powered learning solutions and driving economic development through workforce training.”

Building a Learning Revolution

At the core of Jones Software is the Velocity Learning Management Ecosystem, a personalized AI-powered learning platform. Velocity integrates predictive analytics and AI-driven copilots to create adaptive learning experiences that scale across industries. The platform’s “3Ps”—predict outcomes, profile each learner, and personalize performance—form the foundation of its AI framework, integrating seamlessly with Microsoft Fabric and Azure AI Services.

“Innovation for us isn’t just about new products—it’s about reimagining the way people learn, work, and grow.”
– Kevin Jones, CEO, Jones Software Corporation

The company’s focus spans four key areas: AI governance, cybersecurity, big data, and workforce development curriculum. By targeting these areas, Jones Software ensures that its solutions are secure, data-informed, and scalable. Kenya, the company’s CIO, adds, “Our mission is understanding inertia—knowing there’s a problem and solving it. That drives everything we do.

A Milestone in Innovation

Jones Software’s innovative approach recently earned them the inaugural Intuit Innovation Award, presented at ICIC’s Innovation Summit. The award honors small businesses that demonstrate exceptional innovation, adaptability, and measurable impact.

During the presentation, Anoop Sreenivasan, VP of Go-To-Market Technologies at Intuit, said:

“This award recognizes a small business that is innovative in its own right, has pushed the boundaries of innovation, and is really leading the thinking in how to drive business in a technology-led way.”

Kenya reflected on the moment:

“We’re honored not just to receive the Innovation Award from Intuit, but to ICIC. It’s a reflection of what’s possible when purpose meets persistence.”

The award underscores Jones Software’s leadership in AI-driven learning solutions and their impact on education and workforce training. A key accomplishment that contributed to this recognition was their development of algorithms for the Microsoft Copilot launch, which powered next-generation productivity tools.

Their contributions also advanced AI literacy initiatives through Microsoft’s #Buildfor2030 campaign and partnerships with Code.org and Minecraft Education, extending access to emerging technologies for underserved communities. These milestones reminded the team that innovation thrives when vision and perseverance come together.

Overcoming Challenges Through Collaboration

Innovation rarely comes without hurdles. For Jones Software, challenges included securing high-impact partnerships and assembling a team capable of building complex, AI-driven solutions across multiple cloud platforms. “Finding talent with the expertise to build on Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and Amazon Web Services was a significant challenge,” Kevin admits. They overcame it by investing in continuous learning, cultivating strong industry relationships, and staying relentlessly adaptable. “Each challenge became a classroom,” Kenya reflects. “Every obstacle strengthened our resolve to innovate responsibly and build technology that uplifts communities.”

Impact That Resonates

The results speak for themselves. Since 2020, Jones Software has impacted more than 30,000 learners through its Velocity Learning Ecosystem, with programs deployed across schools, corporations, and workforce training initiatives. Through the platform, Jones Software has achieved:

• 85% improvement in learner engagement

• 92% corporate user satisfaction

• 22% increase in student assessment scores

• 40% faster onboarding with adaptive AI

Beyond metrics, the real impact is on people: students and workers gaining skills to succeed in rapidly evolving industries. The JSC Cares Program provides access to high-quality education for underserved communities, reflecting their dedication to expanding opportunities and skills for learners.

“Technology becomes transformational when it meets people where they are.”
– Kenya Brooks-Jones, CIO, Jones Software Corporation

Looking Ahead

Over the next five years, Jones Software aims to train one million learners globally, with a focus on AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing skills. With continued collaboration through ICIC and Intuit networks, and with the support of skilling partners like Microsoft, Jones Software is on track to bridge the gap between innovation and inclusion, ensuring that every learner, regardless of their zip code, can access the tools of tomorrow. Ingenuity remains central to this mission, enabling the company to scale solutions that are accessible, personalized, and impactful.

“Innovation doesn’t come from having everything—it comes from believing something better is possible.”
– Kenya Brooks-Jones, CIO, Jones Software Corporation

Advice for Fellow Entrepreneurs

For small business owners looking to harness innovation, Kevin offers this guidance: “Embrace uncertainty, be adaptable, and focus on collaboration. Use innovation to stay ahead of trends, but also listen deeply to your customers’ needs. And don’t forget—we’re in the business of people. Building genuine, meaningful relationships is key to long-term success.”

Join the Journey

Jones Software’s story is a powerful reminder that innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about people, persistence, and purpose. ICIC’s executive education programs, like the ICCC program, are designed to help entrepreneurs like Kenya and Kevin navigate challenges, scale their impact, and achieve lasting growth.

Explore how ICIC can help your small business break barriers and thrive. Innovation starts here.