b'MESSAGE from the DEAN Blazers Providing Tax AssistanceBlazersThe Mu Zeta Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) at Valdosta State University (VSU) has a renowned Providing Taxtradition of excellence demonstrated through repeated Superior Status recognitions 10 out of the 11 years that the organization has been on campus. The primary Assistance focus of the organization is service and professional development.In spring 2019, the Mu Zeta Chapter opened an Internal Revenue Service Voluntary Income Tax When Volunteer Assistance (VITA) Program site in Valdosta, Georgia, to assist low-income families in the community with their tax preparation. VITA is a volunteer program Service and Experientialdesigned to help families with lower income (under $65,000 annually) in completing their tax returns at Learning Collide no cost. The Mu Zeta Chapter volunteers were able to complete 33 tax returns with an economic impact By Devon Branch of $67,045. As the team reviewed the season, they realized they needed more volunteers to work the program in order to meet the needs of the community. Because of the significant experiential learning gained by volunteering for the VITA Program, the members decided to offer the volunteer opportunity as an internship credit. By providing this opportunity, students gained experience in how to work in a professional environment, including interacting with clients, using teamwork to complete the tax returns, and completing individual training to become certified. This effort increased the volunteer base from six to 21 students. In 2020, the VITA Program reached new heights in completing 75 tax returns with an economic impact of $109,314, despite having to shut the program down early due to COVID-19. To achieve this increase, the Mu Zeta Chapter advertised the VITA Program at local schools, Valdosta State University, retirement homes, V O L U N T E E R restaurants, and coffee shops. Overall, the Mu Zeta Chapter members were proud of I N C O M E TAX all that was accomplished. They were able to double their impact within the community, while providing A S S I S TA N C E an opportunity for students to learn more about their field of study. The members plan to expand the Valdosta State University program to other counties surrounding Valdosta. They believe that one of the greatest ways to give back M UZ E TAC H A P T E R to communities is by using their area of expertise to B E T AA L P H AP S I improve the lives of others. SPRING 2021 5'