;

What Happens Here Can Change Your World!

Close Up Foundation is the leader in civic education, classroom discourse, and exciting hands-on student travel programs.

Students at WWII memorial in DC Shadow

Explore our Student Programs!

Since 1971, over one million students and educators have participated in Close Up programs. Our mission is to inspire students to find their unique voice and to help them develop the skills and awareness they need to be engaged citizens for a lifetime.

Make lifelong memories as you come face-to-face with the people and places that shape our nation, and discover how your voice can make an impact on American democracy.

jefferson memorial teachers tour Shadow

Connect on Teacher Program!

While students participate in hands-on learning experiences in the nation’s capital, teachers can connect with other educators from across the country on our one-of-a-kind Teacher Program in Washington, DC. 

JOURNEY BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Close Up Foundation is selected as the official education partner for A Starting Point (ASP)!

Close Up and ASP have launched a nationwide civic engagement initiative to enhance resources available to schools and help educate the next generation on pressing issues in hopes to increase participation in our democracy.

We are excited to announce ASP Chat, a new video series featuring conversations with U.S. lawmakers including questions from Close Up students that premiered in conjunction with the Democratic and Republican National Conventions! Each evening after the convention, ASP interviewed a lawmaker and include questions from Close Up students and can be streamed on the ASP website.

LEARN MORE >