At J.I. Case High School in Racine, Wisconsin, educator Courtney Wynia is helping students build real-world financial confidence through hands-on, community-focused learning. She leads a student-run Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) tax preparation program that gives teens the training and responsibility to serve local families each tax season (and has saved community members more than $150,000 in tax preparation fees!) Read on to learn more about Courtney's teaching experience and how she got this impactful program underway.

Describe your school and the size, location, and community where it is located. 

J.I. Case High School is a large, diverse, and academically vibrant public high school located on the south side of Racine, Wisconsin. As one of the district’s three comprehensive high schools, Case serves approximately 1,800 students and draws from a wide range of neighborhoods, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

The school sits within a suburban–urban border community, surrounded by established residential areas, small local businesses, and community partner organizations. Case is deeply connected to the broader Racine community, working closely with families, nonprofits, and industry partners through programs such as DECA, VITA, the Academies of Racine, and a variety of service-learning and leadership initiatives.

Known for its strong academic pathways, Division I athletics, extensive performing arts programs, and more than 30 student-run clubs and activities, Case High School offers students a wide range of opportunities to grow, lead, and excel. The school prides itself on its diverse student body, community-minded culture, and commitment to preparing students for college, careers, and life beyond high school.

How long have you been teaching? And how many of those years have you taught personal finance? 

I’ve been teaching for 11 years, and Personal Finance has been a cornerstone of my work throughout my entire career. While my approach has evolved over time, I’ve consistently integrated personal finance into every class I teach. From budgeting and money management to tax preparation, I strive to expose students to a wide range of real-world financial skills.

What makes you passionate about personal finance education?

Personal Finance is one of the most empowering tools we can give students. When we teach them how money works, how to budget, save, invest, and manage real-world responsibilities, we’re giving them the confidence to make informed decisions long after they leave our classroom. Strong financial literacy doesn’t just prepare them for adulthood; it helps them build independence, avoid pitfalls, and set themselves up for long-term success.

What is one of your earliest money memories?

One of my earliest memories is watching my mom sit at the dining room table balancing her checkbook. Each month she’d open the mail, pay the bills, and reconcile every line. My sisters and I knew to keep the noise down during “checkbook time,” but we also knew it usually meant a shopping trip was coming later that day or the next.

How has being part of the NGPF network helped you personally? Professionally?

Being part of this network and having access to such a strong bank of resources has opened countless opportunities for me. Whether it’s bouncing ideas off other educators or finding materials to fill a gap or provide extra practice for students, the support is truly invaluable.

I’ve been involved with NGPF for many years, and it has been personally transformative. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic (when I was at home, unable to teach in person or connect with colleagues), NGPF created a space where I could learn, grow, and interact with others through virtual classes. I will always be grateful for that community and the opportunities it provided.

Can you share more about the program you started where students help with tax returns?

Absolutely! About nine years ago, I launched a student-run VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program in partnership with United Way of Racine County. What began as a small idea to bring more authentic learning into the classroom has grown into one of the most impactful experiences we offer.

Students complete IRS training, earn their certifications, and learn to prepare basic tax returns with accuracy and professionalism. They work directly with clients—real community members who rely on this free service—supported by trained volunteers and myself.

For many students, it’s the first time they truly see themselves as capable professionals, and watching them step into that confidence is incredible.

Beyond the technical skills, the program builds responsibility, communication, and empathy. Students understand that their work has real consequences and real value, and they rise to that challenge year after year.

To date, we’ve completed over 800 federal and state tax returns, including 320 last year alone. More than 230 students have earned IRS certification and collectively contributed over 3,000 volunteer hours.

By providing this service at no cost, our students have saved community members more than $150,000 in tax preparation fees.

It’s hands-on learning with a genuine community impact—and one of the things I’m most proud of.

Do you have tips for other teachers who may want to do something similar?

For teachers interested in starting something similar, my biggest tip is: don’t be intimidated by the scale of the program. Start small. Build strong partnerships. Your local United Way is a great place to begin, and they often already run VITA programs. They can provide training, oversight, and resources so you’re not doing it alone.

Also, carve out time to get students fully trained and certified before tax season begins. And finally, treat the experience like a professional workplace: clear expectations, strong communication, and lots of reflection.

Watching students grow in confidence and skill makes every bit of the planning worth it.

About the Author

Hannah Rael

As NGPF's Marketing Communications Manager, Hannah (she/her) helps spread the word about NGPF's mission to improve the financial lives of the next generation of Americans.

More posts by Hannah