Lab Four Training Partnership with United Way and the Earned Income Tax Credit Alliance 

MEMPHIS, TN:   The Lab Four Career Training Institute participates in a workforce development initiative with United Way of the Mid-South, the Earned Income Tax Credit Alliance (EITCA), and the Career Steps program.  The EITCA’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites located throughout the mid-south helps eligible families with tax preparation, assistance with claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit, and electronic filing.   Career Steps, created by Seedco, a national non-profit intermediary, assists individuals in transitioning from public assistance to self-sufficiency.

Through this initiative, Lab Four provides Career Steps participants with classroom training in first-tier help desk support.   Outside of the classroom, participants gain valuable, on-the-job experience by providing 26 VITA sites with computer support.  These individuals not only gain transferable skills and experience but also entry into the information technology industry.  Through additional partnerships within Seedco’s Families First Network, Career Steps participants also learn job preparation and retention skills.

According to Nidia Logan, Community Impact Manager who oversees United Way’s efforts to strengthen families and neighborhoods, the Earned Income Tax Credit Alliance pumps in nearly $3 million annually into the local economy through their free, tax preparation service to low and moderate income families.

The EITCA is a partnership between the United Way of the Mid-South, the Internal Revenue Service, Memphis City and County Governments, the Dial 211 information system and other businesses and nonprofit agencies.