The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has expanded its partnership with United Way of Rhode Island and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, allowing students to earn college credit while volunteering as tax preparers for local residents.
More than a dozen CCRI students have completed IRS certification to become tax preparers. They are now gaining professional experience by volunteering at VITA sites across the state, including one on CCRI’s Warwick campus. The initiative is integrated into the ACCT 1500 Personal Income Taxes course, which is required for business track students and available as an elective for others. Students who participate can earn three college credits in tax law.
“This partnership reflects CCRI at our best — aligning high-quality education with meaningful service to our state,” said CCRI President Rosemary A. Costigan, Ph.D., RN. “Through VITA, our students earn industry-recognized credentials, build real-world skills, and gain the confidence that comes from helping others. At the same time, they are strengthening financial stability for Rhode Island families. This is the kind of hands-on, community-centered learning that defines our mission and prepares our students to thrive.”
The program offers students practical experience in accounting and finance while providing free tax preparation services to low- and moderate-income households throughout Rhode Island. Volunteers help taxpayers claim refunds and credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit.
“Participating in the program has been incredibly meaningful to me,” said Francine Grigoletto Manso, a 22-year-old Sau Paulo native who currently lives in North Smithfield. “When I first moved to the United States from Brazil five years ago, I did not speak English, and navigating the U.S. tax system felt overwhelming and confusing. Becoming a certified VITA/TCE Advanced Tax Preparer, and now being able to help others through that same process, has been deeply fulfilling and feels like a full-circle experience.
“One of the most meaningful parts of volunteering has been supporting fellow immigrants and interpreting for clients. Helping someone navigate a system that once felt overwhelming to me reminds me how far I’ve come since first arriving in this country. As a first-generation college student who earned a GED and now maintains a 4.0 GPA at CCRI, VITA represents more than workforce experience. It has reinforced my commitment to using economics and public policy to expand financial literacy and increase access to opportunity for under-resourced communities.”
Cortney Nicolato, president and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island stated: “VITA is a tremendous example of the power of partnership, from CCRI and the IRS, to our community partners and volunteers, we’re talking about a program that last year returned $24 million to the pockets of hardworking Rhode Islanders and our state’s economy.” She added: “By engaging students and providing them a real, tangible opportunity to make an impact across our state, CCRI is demonstrating its commitment to expanding financial stability.”
Faculty members from CCRI’s Business Department developed curriculum specifically designed for IRS certification preparation as part of this initiative. The three-month training covers tax law fundamentals along with practical instruction in intake procedures, quality review processes, interview techniques, and use of professional software.
“The Business program is committed to creating experiential learning opportunities that directly connect classroom instruction to workforce readiness,” said Cecile Roberti, Professor. “By embedding VITA into our curriculum we are giving students practical accounting and tax preparation experience that builds both competence and confidence.”
Free VITA services are available statewide for individuals or families earning $69,000 or less in 2025; appointments are required at most locations including Cranston, Pawtucket, Woonsocket Newport Westerly Lincoln Campus (on select dates). More information about scheduling can be found on CCRI’s official website.
CCRI operates multiple campuses across Warwick—including its main Knight Campus—Lincoln Providence Newport County plus an education center in Westerly (source). As New England’s largest community college—and also Rhode Island’s largest public college—CCRI emphasizes affordable academic pathways teaching excellence student support online options expanding higher education access under President Rosemary Costigan (source).
