Assessing service-learning outcomes for students participating in VITA programs

This study evaluates participation in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, a service-learning activity, to determine if participating students develop confidence in the skills needed for success in the accounting profession. An analysis of data from students at eight U.S. universities shows that VITA students were significantly more confident in their practical skills, citizenship skills, and personal responsibility skills after their VITA experience than a control group of students who did not participate in VITA, measured over a similar period of time. The VITA participants also reported a stronger sense of school pride and moderately more confidence in their interpersonal skills. However, the VITA students reported less confidence in their problem-solving skills, perhaps due to being faced with complex decision-making situations. While this finding was initially unexpected, it actually demonstrates the value of experiential learning for students.