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Press Release

February 18, 2025

The College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company to Provide Scholarships to Volunteers with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program in Puerto Rico

Kaplan

Centennial, CO (February 18, 2025) ⁠— The College for Financial Planning—a Kaplan Company, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, announces the launch of Champions of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (CoVITA) Scholarships to support secondary-level students, school teachers, and university faculty who volunteer with the Internal Revenue Service's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in Puerto Rico. VITA offers free tax-preparation services to individuals earning $60,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English speakers, and its certified volunteers help ensure accurate filings. In 2023, tens of thousands of tax returns were prepared at VITA sites across the commonwealth.

The College’s scholarships will cover the costs of its Spanish-language or English-language Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional^℠ (FPQP^®) program, which is designed for new professionals entering the financial services industry, as well as frontline employees and support staff with some industry experience looking to deepen their foundational knowledge about personal financial planning, and the Qualified Personal Finance Educator^℠ (QPFE^℠) certification program, which covers fundamental personal finance topics with a goal of increasing educators’ proficiency in teaching students how to make smart decisions that will result in financial well-being.

Aixa Gonzalez, a former president of the Puerto Rico Society of CPAs, said:

"The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is more than just a service—it’s a gateway to meaningful careers in tax and accounting. During my time as president of the Puerto Rico Society of CPAs, I saw firsthand how VITA not only provides critical assistance to those in need but also inspires the next generation of professionals. For many, preparing a tax return through VITA is their first step toward discovering a fulfilling career. I encourage students and professors to get involved in this transformative program—because sometimes, what starts as a simple act of service can become a lifelong calling."

Dirk Pantone, president of the College, said:

"The College for Financial Planning is incredibly proud to support the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and the dedicated volunteers who selflessly give their time to assist their neighbors with the often rigorous process of filing taxes. By offering this scholarship program, we aim to support volunteers in their efforts to help families navigate their financial futures. These volunteers not only provide vital tax preparation services to underserved communities but also serve as champions of financial literacy and stability within their schools and neighborhoods. We are honored to help these passionate individuals access the specialized training and credentials they need to maximize the positive impact they have been making in their communities."

Those interested in volunteering for VITA can visit the sign-up page. Eligible volunteers can apply for the College for Financial Planning's Champions of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (CoVITA) Scholarships on these web pages, available in English and Spanish.

Reporters interested in this story can contact Russell Schaffer at russell.schaffer@kaplan.com

About the College for Financial Planning^®—a Kaplan Company

Founded in 1972, the College for Financial Planning^®—A Kaplan Company provides accessible and flexible degree, non-degree, and continuing professional education programs to students nationwide. Shortly after its founding, the College introduced the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ certification, which is now the world's most recognized and respected financial planning credential with more than 100,000 certified professionals. The College for Financial Planning is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. More than 200,000 students have graduated from the College’s programs. For more information, visit www.cffp.edu.

Press Contact

Russell Schaffer
russell.schaffer@kaplan.com
X (formerly Twitter): @KaplanEdNews

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