Connecting research, education, and professional practice to advance financial well‑being
The Center for Excellence in Financial Counseling engages with community partners to expand access to financial education, counseling, and trusted financial resources. Through these relationships, CEFC connects research, education, and practice to support financial well‑being across the UMSL campus and throughout the St. Louis region.
This work prioritizes collaboration, visibility, and coordination—helping students, organizations, and community members navigate existing systems, connect with reliable services, and benefit from evidence‑informed approaches.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
CEFC promotes awareness of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, a nationally recognized Internal Revenue Service initiative that has provided free, high‑quality tax preparation services to eligible individuals and families for more than 50 years.
VITA plays an important role in expanding access to trusted tax preparation services and supporting informed financial decision‑making during tax season.
VITA at UMSL
At the University of Missouri–St. Louis, VITA services are offered through partnerships led by the Ed G. Smith College of Business, student organizations, and community collaborators. CEFC does not operate or manage VITA sites; instead, the Center supports outreach, information sharing, and visibility to help connect students and community members with trusted tax preparation resources.
The arrival and impact of VITA services on the UMSL campus have been featured in the UMSL Daily, highlighting the collaborative effort and its benefit to the campus and surrounding community.
Read the UMSL Daily article about VITA
VITA in the St. Louis Region
Across the St. Louis region, VITA services are coordinated by the Gateway EITC Community Coalition, a nonprofit organization that supports and manages multiple VITA sites each tax season.
To learn more about regional VITA services, eligibility, and site locations, please visit the Gateway EITC Community Coalition website.
Visit the Gateway EITC Community Coalition website
Community Partnerships
CEFC’s community engagement extends beyond individual programs. The Center collaborates with campus and community partners to:
- Increase awareness of trusted financial education, counseling, and support resources
- Support coordination across education, applied research, and service delivery
- Elevate evidence‑based approaches to financial counseling and financial well‑being
- Contribute to conversations and initiatives that strengthen systems serving individuals and families
Through these partnerships, CEFC helps bridge institutional knowledge and community practice—supporting shared efforts to expand financial stability and opportunity.
Get Involved
CEFC welcomes collaboration with campus units, nonprofit organizations, researchers, and community partners interested in advancing financial well being.