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Financial Literacy and Civics Education

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Hampshire offers free civics and financial literacy programming for middle and high school students.

Programs can be held in federal courtrooms, classrooms, virtually, or in person. Activities are designed to be interactive and can be tailored to the specific grade level, classroom size and learning objectives.

Our volunteers include judges, attorneys, and court staff who are enthusiastic about civics, financial literacy, and appreciate sharing career insights.

Current education programs include: 

  • Warren B. Rudman U.S. Courthouse Field Trip

  • Bankruptcy Court Mock Trial

  • Financial Literacy Presentations focused on Student Loans, Budgeting and Credit/Interest

  • Career Presentation/Discussion

  • Civics Study Session

For more information, submit the Request Form or email NHB_FinancialLiteracy@nhb.uscourts.gov. Programs are scheduled based on availability in order of request.

What Partners are Saying

“[Judge Kimberly Bacher] makes her work relevant to students and is clearly interested in each student’s experience when she is there. That alone is a huge piece of connecting and reaching high school students."

“Judge Bacher and her team put together an amazing in-person experience for my high school sophomores to visit the district courthouse, engage in a mock trial, practice for their citizenship exam, and allow courthouse employees and students to network during a lunch."

“The trip was fun for kids but also pointed out to students why civics connects to their lives beyond high school.”

“As a high school civics teacher, it is always critical to find ways to make civics relevant and engaging for kids, as the content can feel so far away from students’ lives. The courthouse trip was fun but also demonstrated to students how civics connects directly to their lives.”

Warren B. Rudman U.S. Courthouse Field Trips

Schedule a field trip to the Warren B. Rudman U.S. Courthouse in Concord, NH. Students will have an opportunity to tour the courthouse, explore a courtroom, learn about the federal court system, observe bankruptcy court hearing(s) and meet federal Judge(s) and court personnel.

Bankruptcy Mock Trial

Bankruptcy mock trials are memorable experiential learning activities that can be conducted at the courthouse or at your school. Student participants are given a bankruptcy case scenario, immerse themselves in roles such as attorneys, trustees, debtors, or witnesses, and work in teams to prepare case arguments for a hearing. Students will learn and follow courtroom procedures and present their case to the presiding Mock Trial Judge. Students will explore how the bankruptcy court works, develop confidence and build skills in research, communication, critical thinking, and teamwork. Mock trial materials, including workbooks and supplies, are provided by the court.

Credit Abuse Resistance Education Presentations (CARE NH)

CARE is a national non-profit comprised of professionals in bankruptcy, financial services, and business. In New Hampshire, CARE volunteers include the Chief U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the District of New Hampshire and local attorneys who are available to speak to students virtually and in person. Presenters draw on their professional experiences to share real life stories and provide students with basic knowledge to manage their personal finances. Presentations are tailored to the number of students and time available and focus on the benefits of personal financial management and the consequences of credit abuse.

Career Presentations

There is a wide range of career opportunities at the U.S. Courts and in the Federal Judiciary. In addition to legal career paths, there are administrative, financial, and technology careers. The judge, court professionals and other federal employees are available to share real-world information and experiences with students.

Students will explore court careers and learn about the transferrable skills, education, and professional paths available. Many court careers do not require a college degree. Students will hear about various career opportunities to consider a career within the federal system.

Civics Study Session

A fun and interactive game to help high school students prepare for the state required naturalization civics exam. Students will have an opportunity to study in an engaging, competitive, and fun format.