WORCESTER, MA – March 31, 2026 – Students at Quinsigamond Community College are gaining hands‑on experience by providing free tax preparation services to community members through the federally supported Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
After in-class training, students perform weekly sessions preparing tax returns under the supervision of QCC Associate Professor of Accounting Eduardo Rivas. While volunteering, they gain insight into real‑world scenarios, such as ride-share drivers navigating self‑employment and tax rules that have changed from the previous year.
“Our students truly go above and beyond in this program. It has been great to see their commitment not only to learning, but also to helping the community. Even during spring break and holidays, they continued to volunteer their time,” Rivas said. “It is also very encouraging to see new students already asking how they can be part of the program next year. This program creates a strong sense of belonging and community, and that is something we are very proud of.”
The students described their experience as both rewarding and eye‑opening, especially as they learned how to share difficult news, explain tax outcomes, and help guide clients in preparing their taxes for future years.
“People come here for the knowledge. If they understand why they owe or why they get a refund, that reduces their stress,” said student and second-year volunteer Joshua Roman. “There’s no price on giving back to the community,”
Many QCC students bring critical multilingual skills to the VITA program, regularly assisting clients in other languages such as Spanish and Portuguese.
“Speaking two languages helps a lot,” said Adriana Nunez Tang, who is studying business. “When the client can tell you their feelings, you can communicate better.
Others shared how the VITA program strengthens skills beyond accounting and is helping to prepare them for the complexities of professional environments.
“Taxes are important, but teamwork is too,” Nunez Tang said. “This program has motivated me to believe in myself, do better in life and give my kids a better future.”
For many, the VITA program aligns directly with their career goals. Some aim to work in accounting firms, money management, or data analysis.
“I wanted to see what filing taxes would be like and if I’d want to be in this career,” said Gina Cela-Guallpa, a student who helps manage intake, scheduling and administrative support for the program. “I love it, especially working with people.”
QCC’s VITA services are available to individuals and families earning $69,000 or less. Services are provided both in person and virtually. All returns are reviewed through a quality‑assurance process to ensure accuracy.
For more information, visit QCC.edu/vita.