For more information on the M. Ellen Carpenter Financial Literacy Program, please contact Katie D'Angelo, Public Service Programs Coordinator at 617-778-1914 or kdangelo@bostonbar.org.
“I volunteered because I wanted to help provide some basic, highly practical skills to a youth population that has little or no access to them. The students were engaged and interested. Their teacher was fantastic. The most memorable moment was the collective gasp that went through the room when the students realized how long it would take to pay off a relatively small credit card balance by making only the minimum payments -- they were stunned!” –Ilene Robinson Sunshine, BBA Volunteer
Volunteer for the M. Ellen Carpenter Financial Literacy Program and you too can help high school students across Massachusetts learn about making informed and effective decisions regarding their finances through educational and experiential opportunities. The program is a joint initiative with the United States Bankruptcy Court of the District of Massachusetts.
This program consists of three teaching modules along with a mock trial presentation in the United States Bankruptcy Court. You can teach in a classroom or you can put your acting hat on and join the mock trial presentation.
Some of the topics covered include:
- Checking accounts
- Filling out payroll information
- Tax deductions
- Budgeting
- Credit cards
- Buying a car
- Consequences of poor financial management
We are looking for attorneys of all backgrounds to volunteer. The total time commitment, including training, classroom preparation, and classroom time average 5-7 hours. Training for new volunteers takes place in January.
Named for former BBA president M. Ellen Carpenter and initiated at the recommendation of Literacy for Students, the program has reached more than 1,000 students. It has also been recognized by the National Association of Bar Executives and awarded a grant from the American College of Bankruptcy.
For more information on the M. Ellen Carpenter Financial Literacy Program, please contact Katie D'Angelo, Public Service Programs Coordinator at 617-778-1914 or kdangelo@bostonbar.org.