Investing in the Future: Tax-Aid’s Workforce Development Programs

Through Tax-Aid’s innovative training and volunteer programs, we’re empowering students, career changers and job seekers with job training, real-world experience and pathways to high-paying professions.

Training Tomorrow’s Professionals Today

Each year, Tax-Aid trains more than 100 college students to prepare tax returns for Bay Area residents with low income. With guidance from experienced volunteers, college student volunteers prepare tax returns, gain professional communication skills by working directly with clients and learn how the tax system affects working families. Many go on to pursue careers in accounting, tax, finance and public service — equipped with highly relevant experience that sets them apart.

Tax-Aid’s Equity Fellowship Program: Creating Pathways to High-Paying Careers

Tax-Aid’s Equity Fellowship is a workforce development initiative designed to prepare college students from underrepresented communities for careers in tax and accounting— high paying professions with multiple opportunities for growth and advancement. Equity Fellows work with Tax-Aid part time while they complete their college degree. During the one-year fellowship, they receive specialized training, mentorship and job placement assistance from Tax-Aid staff and financial sector professionals. This program doesn’t just teach tax preparation — it builds confidence, opens doors and helps Equity Fellows build the professional networks they need to succeed.

A Launchpad for Mid-Career Professionals

Tax-Aid is a powerful resource for professionals who are between jobs or seeking to re-enter the workforce. Every year, we welcome volunteers who are looking to sharpen their skills and volunteer purposefully. Many volunteers have told us that their experience at Tax-Aid helped them improve their resumes, build their confidence and find their purpose. In fact, many have landed a job through a connection made by volunteering at a Tax-Aid site. Tax-Aid is frequently asked to serve as a reference for our volunteers. We’ve seen firsthand how volunteering can lead directly to new job opportunities, career pivots and personal growth.

Internship Opportunities for Youth

We’re proud to train the next generation of youth through our administrative internship programs. We partner with trusted local organizations such as the Mayor’s Youth Employment and Education Program (MYEEP) and New Door Ventures to train and employ high school students and young adults in our office and tax sites. Interns are trained to assist with a variety of administrative tasks such as client communications, technology projects, office and tax site operations. Along the way, they develop the essential skills of communication, organization, time management and teamwork in a professional environment. This program is more than just a job — it’s a stepping stone. For many of our interns, it’s their first opportunity to work with other adults in a professional setting. Tax-Aid provides mentorship, encourages growth and fosters confidence that helps these young people succeed in the workplace or pursue a college degree.

Why It Matters

These programs aren’t just about learning how to file taxes and complete administrative tasks — they’re about building a more inclusive economy. Tax-Aid is opening doors for young people, mid-career professionals and people too often left behind. At the same time, they all help Tax-Aid to deliver a vital service: helping thousands of people with low-income to access free tax help that puts millions of dollars back into our local communities.

Your Support Makes This Possible

With your partnership, we can expand our student training and Equity Fellowship Program. Together, we can build a stronger, more equitable workforce — one tax return at a time.

Join us. Invest in people. Invest in opportunity.