EAST STROUDSBURG -- East Stroudsburg University senior Chelsea Wootten is getting hands-on experience in her field and helping people in her community.
“I’m preparing people's tax returns, I definitely get good experience I can use later on.” said Wootten.
The business management major is balancing school work, track practice, and most recently she's made time in the evenings to help people file their income taxes.
It's part of a free tax service ESU provides for people who make less than $50,000 a year.
“It's a wonderful community service. It's a phenomenal learning experience for the students. It gives the students a chance to be professionals before they graduate,” said Dr. Sheila Handy, professor of business management at ESU.
Even before they can sit down with a client, students must complete IRS training to ensure they are prepared. The service is a chance for students to put what they learned in school to the test.
"Working in the classroom, it's totally different sitting down with somebody and actually doing their taxes. It's a great experience." said Colin Taylor, ESU senior.
The students get experience and the clients save big. The free service saves people from paying out of pocket. Folks at the senior center in East Stroudsburg think the students’ service is needed.
“I have friends that are always complaining about the fact that it's too expensive and that they can't afford it and they really don't know where they're going,” said Angelina Matese, East Stroudsburg.
ESU is providing the free tax service by appointment every Tuesday from 6 - 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon.
They plan to extend hours as it gets closer to April 15.
Prospective clients can contact ESU's College of Business to make an appointment.