Students Learn “Consequences” at U.S. Bankruptcy Court (Media Advisory)

As National Financial Literacy month sweeps the nation, the Boston Bar Association and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts today announced that groups of high school students will be flocking to the John W. McCormack building at 5 Post Office Square to view an enactment of what occurs when an individual files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy relief. This is the “Consequences Module,” and the last session of the M. Ellen Carpenter Financial Literacy Program, a joint program of the BBA and the Bankruptcy Court now in its 9th year.

The sessions at the McCormack building will be held on April 3rd from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm and April 4th from 9:30 am to 11:30 am with U.S. Bankruptcy Judges Joan Feeney and Frank Bailey. The judges will be meeting with students from Brighton High School, Woburn High School, Boston Community Leadership Academy, Another Course to College, Milton High School, and Peabody High School.

By the time the students sit on the “Consequences Module” at the court, they will already have learned about Personal Finances and Budgeting, Using Credit and Credit Cards, and Buying a Car in previous sessions held at their schools.

Members of the media wishing to attend must be credentialed beforehand. For credentials contact bsashin@bostonbar.org or call her at (617) 778-1902.

Background
Interest in the M. Ellen Carpenter Financial Literacy Program has grown steadily each year. Starting in just a handful of classrooms in 2005, the program has more than doubled since last year, reaching over 1,000 students this year. Part of that growth can be attributed to the Boston Private Industry Council, a partner — along with the city of Boston — in the BBA Summer Jobs Program.

The M. Ellen Carpenter Financial Literacy Program receives support from the Boston Bar Foundation and is taught by volunteers from the BBA. For more information on the program contact Public Service Programs Coordinator Katie D’Angelo at kdangelo@bostonbar.org or 617-778-1914.