For the first time, students from Archbishop Stepinac High School have partnered with the Westchester Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program during the 2026 tax season, following the successful completion of required IRS-sponsored training and certification.
Administered by the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board, the VITA Program has provided free tax preparation services since 2004, delivering millions of dollars in tax refunds to low- and moderate-income individuals and families across Westchester County and neighboring communities. Through this inaugural partnership, Stepinac students will assist with program operations while gaining hands-on experience rooted in service, leadership, and community engagement.
“This partnership with the Westchester VITA Program represents exactly the kind of real-world, mission-driven learning we strive to provide at Stepinac,” said Rackeal Bellamy, Chair of the Business Department. “Our students are not only applying classroom knowledge in a practical setting, but they are also developing leadership skills and a deeper sense of responsibility by serving individuals and families in our community.”
The following Archbishop Stepinac High School students completed the VITA volunteer training program and earned certification by passing the required IRS examination with a minimum score of 80%:
Participating Students:
- Nicholas Brogli ’28 of The Bronx
- Gabriel Lua ’27 of Port Chester
- Diego MedalVelazquez ’27 of White Plains
- James Paladino Jr. ’27 of Stamford
- D’mar Smith ’27 of The Bronx
- Ryan Smith ‘27 of Yonkers
“Being part of the VITA Program has been an incredible learning experience,” said Nicholas Brogli ’28. “Knowing that the work we’re doing can directly help people and make a real difference in their lives makes this opportunity especially meaningful.”
The VITA Program relies on trained volunteers to serve in essential roles, including tax preparation assistance, language translation, call-center support, and welcoming clients at service sites. All volunteer tax preparers must complete the training program and successfully pass the IRS certification exam to ensure accurate, professional service for community members.
During the 2026 tax season, the Westchester VITA Program is operating at locations throughout the region, including the Bronx, Dobbs Ferry, Hartsdale, Mount Vernon, Ossining, Valhalla, White Plains, Yonkers, and Rockland County.
This first-time collaboration reflects Archbishop Stepinac High School’s continued commitment to service learning and provides students with a meaningful opportunity to support financial stability for families throughout the greater Westchester community.
