Making a Difference-Making Contribution to Pittsburgh’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Coalition
In an outstanding display of community engagement, experiential learning, and academic excellence, Duquesne University’s School of Business accounting undergraduate students volunteered more than 800 hours and prepared over 400 tax returns for Pittsburgh’s VITA Coalition, operating under the United Way.
Under the supervision of Dr. Amy Yurko, 18 accounting majors underwent rigorous training as VITA volunteers, gaining in-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local income taxation. To participate, students must pass IRS certification exams and commit to weekly volunteer work throughout the tax season. Duquesne students provided in-person assistance, ensuring more personal and direct client service, at five locations across the area that included JustHarvest Southside, JustHarvest Bedford, Veterans Leadership Program on Smallman Street, North Hills Community Outreach in Millvale, and the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh Hazelwood.
These sites offered free tax preparation services, a crucial resource for low-to-middle-income individuals and families. Tax preparation can be confusing for individuals, and hiring outside help is often cost-prohibitive. The VITA program offers a free alternative, expertly guiding individuals through the intricacies of tax filing—alleviating financial stress and empowering financial literacy. The VITA program stands out for its ability to e-file federal and state returns, providing a comprehensive service to those in need.
Our students’ commitment and hard work highlight the intersection of academic learning and community service. Volunteering with the VITA program allowed them to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world situations, demonstrating their impressive practical skills and making a tangible difference in their community.
This initiative reflects the Spiritan values of Duquesne, fostering not only academic excellence but also a profound sense of social responsibility. The combined efforts of the students and their faculty advisor, Dr. Amy Yurko, resulted in over $700,000 in refunds for our clients—a staggering figure that underscores the difference-making impact of this initiative. Their work is a source of pride for the School of Business and the entire Duquesne community.
Pictured in the header image from left to right are nine of the 18 student volunteers: Thomas de San Martin, Christin Hoang, Joseph Isabella, Brannon Alexander, Justice Giordano, Daniel Ventoura, Jonathan Rambo, Maddi Fronius, and Grace Malloy. Not Pictured: Michael Apgar (two-year volunteer), Jason Garland, Emilia Koleva, Bilal Malik, Judge Murray, Samuel Orecchio, Jacob Rebel, Wiliam Scott, and Blake Willett.
News Information