The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado is dedicated to offering local students the opportunity to engage with federal courts and learn about the judicial system. We provide free educational programs that can be held in courtrooms, classrooms, virtually, and in person, to groups large or small.
Our volunteers - judges, attorneys, and court staff, are eager to engage with students about civics, careers, and financial literacy.
Please refer to the list of programs below. Email Danielle Urban at COD_Outreach@cod.uscourts.gov with questions and to schedule an event for your students. Programs are based on availability and provided in order of request.
Civics Programs:
- Q&A Session: Judges, attorneys, and court staff answer questions from students about federal courts, government structure, bankruptcy, and additional topics raised by students.
- Understanding the Federal Courts: A volunteer-led presentation explaining the structure of the judicial branch and federal courts.
- Civility: In the Law and in Life: A guided conversation between students and volunteers about how and why civility is important in our personal and legal interactions.
- Federal Court Tours: Students are invited into the courthouse to explore a courtroom. Judges, court staff, and attorneys are available to discuss their roles and answer student questions. In some instances, students can observe court in session or role-play certain court procedures, such as calling the court to order or entering an appearance.
- Bankruptcy Overview: A volunteer-led presentation explaining bankruptcy laws, the legal process, and the benefits and consequences of filing.
Career Exploration Programs:
- Pathways to the Bench: Federal judges meet with students to discuss the personal, character-building challenges they have faced that prepared them to serve on the bench.
- Careers in the Courts: Students meet with court professionals to learn about different roles in the courts and the variety of careers available in the Federal Judiciary.
Financial Literacy Program:
- Use Credit Responsibly: A volunteer-led presentation on using credit responsibly to avoid financial pitfalls that often lead to bankruptcy.
How to Sign Up:
- Choose a Program: Select the program that best fits your students’ needs.
- Prepare the Details: Determine a date for your event, the desired timeframe, and the location for the program.
- Submit Your Request: Email your program request, along with your date options and location to COD_Outreach@cod.uscourts.gov.
See the links below to various resources available for public use and meant for educational purposes only.
Educational Resources
Civics Education:
Understanding the Federal Courts
- Federal Courts & the Public
- Court Role and Structure
- Type of Cases
- Governance & Judicial Conference
- Comparing State and Federal
- Judicial Administration
- Inside the Federal Courts
- Federal Judicial History
- Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights
Additional Online Resources
- Federal Courts Civics Education and Courtroom Programs
- US Courts Educational Resources
- Education Resources from the Library of Congress
- Judicial Branch (information and questions)
- iCivics
- Smithsonian Learning Lab
Career Exploration:
- Who Works in the Judiciary
- Explore Careers
- How to Find a Job
- ApprenticeShipUSA
- Career Resource Guide for Students
- FTC Consumer Advice Education and Training
- Pathways to the Bench
Financial Literacy:
Credit
Student Loans
- Federal Student Aid(link is external)
- How to Avoid Scholarship and Financial Aid Scams
- How Student Loans Work and How to Avoid Scams
Courts
Court Outreach Program Recipients
- Beacon Network Schools
- Boulder High School
- Boulder Prep High School
- Bridge House - Ready to Work
- CEC Early College
- Cherry Creek School District
- CO High School Charter GES
- Douglas County High School
- Englewood High School
- Fort Morgan High School
- Green Valley Elementary School
- Heritage High School
- Horizon High School
- Johnson Junior High School
- Littleton Prep Charter School
- Mission Viejo Elementary School
- Northfield High School
- Place Bridge Academy
- Ridgeview Classical Schools
- STEM Launch Middle School
- Valley High School
- Vista Peak Preparatory