More than twenty 10th – 12th grade students from the Lincoln HS CTE (Career & Technical Education) Accounting program of study participated in the Earned Income Tax Credit Day at the Campaign for Working Families on Friday, 1/27. This was the kick-off to tax return season for the young tax preparation team.

In order to volunteer, the accounting students at Lincoln are required to pass a series of exams to earn a Tax Preparers IRS Certification. According to their teacher, Stacie Johnson, “The skills the students learn not only are useful but they are also resume building.” Johnson has been volunteering with the CWF for 11 years and was instrumental in bringing the certification and volunteer program to the high school.

During the event, State Senator Vincent Hughes spoke to the students about the importance of residence filing their tax return and how the dollars generated from the EITC credit creates economic growth in their neighborhoods. Other speakers included, Dr. Stacy Jubilee, Chief of Equity, School District of Philadelphia Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Cheryl Mackey from the United Way, and Gwen Felicia Parker-Cox, district director from US Congressman Dwight Evans office who has been fighting to defend the tax credit.

Attendees enjoyed live drumming from Urban Shaman Drum Ensemble.

The CWF tax locations opened on Monday 1/23 and will continue to operate until 4/18/2023. Over 100 high school students from the SDP are part of the Tax Preparation team. Participating high schools include Abraham Lincoln, Northeast, George Washington, Murrell Dobbins, Roxborough, and Bartram High Schools. The SDP student tax team will be volunteering in sites around the city on various days.

For more information contact Denise Magasich, Business Pathway Industry Development Specialist, dmagasich@philasd.org.