York College Students Join Forces with United Way Volunteers to Provide Free Tax Assistance

This tax season, a unique collaboration between York College of Pennsylvania students and United Way of York County volunteers is making tax filing easier.

Through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, trained student and community volunteers offer free tax preparation services, ensuring eligible participants receive accurate assistance at no cost.

The Graham Center for Collaborative Innovation (GCCI) and Spartan Volunteer Network have partnered with United Way to bring VITA back to York College for the first time since 2015. 

The United Way VITA program has operated for over 50 years, offering free tax preparation to individuals earning $67,000 or less, people with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency. In 2024 alone, nearly 25,000 VITA appointments were completed. This year, adding York College student volunteers alongside United Way’s experienced tax preparers is expected to expand the program’s reach and impact.

This initiative is more than just a volunteer opportunity for York College students—it’s a hands-on experience that enhances their professional development and strengthens their connection to the community. This year, it is a pilot program for York College students, faculty and staff. Future expansion is possible.

“Bringing the VITA program back to campus represents a significant step in connecting our students with meaningful, service-oriented experiences,” Dr. Tamara Sniad, Executive Director of the GCCI, said. “This collaboration with United Way allows students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom while also meeting a need in the YCP community. The experience they gain here will stay with them long after tax season ends.”

United Way of York County leaders emphasize the program’s dual benefits of providing financial assistance while fostering civic engagement. “Being part of VITA … may inspire them to participate in similar service programs in the future,” said TaTyana Abreu, United Way of York County VITA & Community Engagement Manager. Daphney Adams, York College’s Director of Volunteer Engagement, echoed this sentiment: “Not only is the volunteer supporting the work of someone in the community or on campus, but they’re also gaining invaluable skills that can be practically applied to any field.”

For York community members, United Way of York County offers VITA services at multiple locations throughout the city. These locations also serve individuals who are not Pennsylvania residents and follow their own scheduling process.

For more information about the VITA program at York College and how to schedule an appointment, please contact the Graham Center for Collaborative Innovation.