Who can participate on a program?
Students in grades 6-8 can participate on our
Middle School programs. Students grades 9-12 can participate on our
High School programs. A minimum GPA or previous leadership experience is not required.
Our programs are physically and mentally demanding. Students should be able to be on program for 10+ hours per day and be able to interact positively with peers, our staff, and the other people with whom they will have contact on program. Check out our
Middle School Video or
High School Video for more information.
What types of programs and publications does Close Up offer?
- • Current Issues, the nations leading supplemental social studies text, is a great way to stimulate classroom discussions with your students about the key policy issues the U.S. faces today. Contact Joe at jgeraghty@closeup.org for more details. See our Current Issues Video.
- • Our specialized, D.C.-based civic education programs for students grades 6-12.
From decades of experience to the highest quality educational programs, come discover why teachers choose us and why Close Up is the leader inside Washington.
When do programs begin and end?
Most programs begin on Sunday with orientation, dinner, and an activity at a famous site. If you want to pick your own start and end dates, our customizable programs enable you to do so. For details, click
here.
Can parents/teachers observe student program?
Yes, teachers and parents can be silent observers on our student program, space permitting. Please discuss your interest ahead of time with the Program Leader.
How do I get a Participant ID and password?
If you are participating with your school, your teacher will give you a participant ID number and password. If you are participating without your school, we are glad to have you with us. Call us at 800-256-7387 or
email us and we'll give you an ID and password.
What are my responsibilities as a teacher?
You’ll spend most of your time on our teacher program while we supervise your students on our student program. You’ll have ample opportunity to meet with them, if you choose. There are a few times when you will be with them in a supervisory capacity. For high school teachers, this includes going with them to Capitol Hill and monitoring them during independent time (unless they join a Close Up-led elective). We’ll supervise your students on out-of-town programmatic activities, including in Jamestown, Williamsburg, Philadelphia and New York City. You’ll be there as our guest. We’ll be there to coordinate travel, lodging, meals, security, site visits and even entertainment. We encourage you to participate in our feedback sessions and to complete the surveys to help us better serve you in the future.
What do teachers and other adults on our High School program do?
They participate in their own Teacher Program led by our Teacher Program Specialists, attending luncheons, making site visits and discussing best practices with peers. Teachers also accompany their students to meet with elected officials on Capitol Hill, monitor students during independent time (those students who don't attend Close Up-led electives) and travel with students on all out-of-town options. See our
Teacher Video or call 800-CLOSEUP (256-7387) for more details.
Teachers have the opportunity to receive
Graduate Credits from the University of Indiana and/or
Continuing Education Credits. For more information, contact Rose at
rsteller@closeup.org.
What do teachers and other adults on our Middle School program do?
There are a variety of activities for teachers and other adults. Some of these take place with your students (such as going to the White House), while others are just for adults (various speakers and luncheon events). Teachers also travel with students on all out-of-town options.
What should students wear on program?
Students should wear casual clothes (jeans and sneakers). Be sure students bring comfortable shoes as they will be walking a great deal. High school students are expected to dress up for Capitol Hill Day. This means dress shirts and ties for boys and dresses/slacks/skirts for girls. Students may also wish to dress up for the final banquet and dance. If you're coming in the colder months be sure to pack a winter coat, hat and scarf, because you will be outside at times.
Can students leave program to visit family, friends, or local colleges?
Yes. Students can visit family, friends, and local colleges during their independent time. Students must receive prior approval from the Program Leader, as well as provide a signed permission slip from their parents.
How can students receive college credit for the Close Up program?
Students who complete our Washington High School Program can earn 1
college credit from The University of Virginia (UVA), the #2 ranked public University by
U.S. News & World Report. Questions? Email Paul at
pburneko@closeup.org for more information.
As a teacher/parent/other adult, how do I organize a group?
If you're a group leader, your exciting role usually begins with first selecting a
high school or
middle school program and a corresponding date. Then, teachers set a goal for how many students they'd like to enroll for the program you've selected. It's always better to enroll more participants than you anticipate will travel to offset possible cancellations.
Once you've registered your school, we will send you an information packet to get you started. It will contain all of the necessary information and materials you will need to prepare for the Close Up program you've selected.
Who would serve as good chaperones?
Think of parents, relatives or other teachers you might want to recruit to help act as chaperones. Decide what ratio of students to adults is appropriate for your selected program.
How do I begin recruiting students?
Once you've selected your Close Up program, and received your informational packet, then it's time to promote it! You will receive brochures for your students and posters to promote your program at your school. Select a date for an introductory meeting in your school to share information and to generate excitement. Display posters in your classroom and in prominent areas of your school. Enlist other teachers and student leaders to help promote this program and to generate further excitement about it. Student announcements and school newspapers are excellent communication tools, as well.
Should I hold a meeting with parents?
Yes. Parents want to know the value of an educational tour, travel logistics and answers to any outstanding questions. Close Up has assembled a Program Planning Kit to answer most of questions. Simply call 800-CLOSE UP (256-7387) to request free information packets. Your Close Up Rep can assist with student and parent meetings as well.
How do I calculate my program price?
Teachers can calculate the price per student by going to
My Account, Teachers: School Account. Once you login, you can customize your program and calculate your total program price by clicking on “Price Calculator.” Price varies depending on the time of year you choose to participate. The variance is due to the fact that vendors for travel and lodging charge different prices at different times of the year.
Parents and students should contact their teacher for their program price. If you are not participating with a school group, call 800-CLOSEUP and we’ll be glad to help.
When are enrollment forms and fees due?
Enrollment forms and fees of $300 per person are due 45 days prior to the start of the program for programs running November through December, and October 1 for January programs. Enrollment forms and fees of $300 per person are due 120 days prior to the start of your program for programs running February through June. Enrollment forms must be submitted online.
Can a student enroll after the enrollment deadline?
Yes. A student can enroll after the enrollment deadline but participation is subject to availability. Teachers
enroll the student online as usual. If space is unavailable, we will contact you ASAP.
If a student needs to cancel, can they re-enroll?
All cancelled participants may be re-enrolled pending space availablethat program week and they agree to pay any additional charges Close Up incurs. If the re-enrollment occurs within 33 calendar days of the program start date, the entire payment is due in full at the time of the registration. Please contact us prior to submitting payment to determine if we can accommodate additional participants.
How can I tell if my students have completed their enrollment forms online?
Go to
My Account, Teachers: School Account online and view your School Summary Report under "Manage Account." An asterisk (*) will appear next to names of students who have NOT completed their enrollment forms.
How do I change my program week?
Teachers can change their week by logging into their school account and making the necessary changes. For any changes made inside of the enrollment deadline (within 45 days of the program start date for programs running November through January and within 120 of the program start date for programs running February through June) please call 800-CLOSE UP (256-7387). You may also email or contact your representative for more info.
How do I cancel a student from a program?
Teachers can cancel individual students from a program by calling their rep at 800-CLOSEUP or by emailing
schreg@closeup.org with the details. Please be aware cancellations are subject to cancellations fees as outlined in our
Important Dates and Deadlines chart. If you are a student who wants to cancel, notify your teacher immediately. If you are not participating as part of a group and want to cancel, call 800-CLOSEUP.
Where do I order extra Close Up materials (brochures, forms, etc.)?
You can order additional Close Up materials online at
Teachers: School Account. Please contact your Close Up representative if you need further assistance.
Who can I call if I still have questions?
Our representatives are standing by to assist you with getting started, sharing educational materials and quick tips regarding fundraising.
Simply call 1-800-CLOSEUP (256-7387) to get started today!
Do you schedule appointments with Members of Congress?
Yes, we schedule well over 2,000 of these meetings per year. Typically, we try to schedule three meetings for you: two with the Senators representing your state and one with the House Member from your Congressional district. Despite the fluidity of Members’ schedules, we’re almost always able to schedule at least one o rtwo of these meetings. To help us coordinate these, we ask that you not contact the offices directly regarding these meetings without contacting us first. In addition, we encourage you to stop by the various offices, sign the guest books and pick up any available materials and gallery passes.
How do you determine which House Office to contact for a meeting?
We use the physical address of your school to determine which office to contact. That covers situations where teachers or students live in different Congressional districts. If you have any questions, please call Jermaine at 800-CLOSE UP (256-7387), ext. 3695 or email at
jbowman@closeup.org.
Will I meet with a Member or with Staff?
Often, you'll meet directly with a Member. Other times, you'll meet with staff. Why? Sometimes Congress is in recess and Members are at home (see calendars at
http://www.house.gov and
http://www.senate.gov). Other times, schedule changes require Members to attend hearings or deal with other pressing matters of national concern. Many staffers are adept at speaking on a Member's behalf and in talking in-depth about specific issues. They also can provide insight into the inner workings of Congress. They tend to be younger, relate well to students, and can offer advice on internships and other opportunities.
Can I find out my meeting times before we arrive in D.C.?
Yes. One week before your trip, a tentative list of scheduled meetings will be available online. However, due to the fluid nature of Congressional scheduling, many meetings will not have been scheduled yet and some meeting times may have to be changed. Often, Congressional schedulers await word on events not under their control, such as committee hearings. We will not finalize your meetings until the day before your Hill Day. Refer to the Hill Schedule sent to your hotel for your final meeting times.
Must teachers attend Capitol Hill meetings with their students?
Yes, we strongly encourage this. Interacting with a Member’s office is a vital part of our program. After all, this is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn. Students work hard to prepare for these meetings and Congressional offices juggle their schedules to make time for them.
Are there security restrictions at the Capitol Building?
Yes. Security is extensive; the less you carry, the easier it will be to get through the checkpoints. Please see
the Capitol Visitor Center site for list of prohibited items.
Will the Supreme Court be in session on Hill Day?
Check the
Court's docket for scheduled oral arguments. If the Court is in session, a summary of the cases will be included in your Hill Schedule.
What should we wear on Hill Day?
Business or business casual is the most appropriate dress for the Hill - and don't forget your Close Up nametags.
Can I arrange a tour of the Capitol Building?
Yes. Please contact your Member directly with any requests for a tour of the Capitol Building or a White House
visit. If you do arrange a tour for your group, it is essential that you immediately call Jermaine at 800-CLOSE UP (256-7387), ext. 3695 or email at
jbowman@closeup.org with your tour time so that we can schedule your Congressional meetings accordingly.
Can I arrange a visit of the White House?
Yes. Contact your Congressional Office ASAP; at least three months lead-time is often necessary. Please schedule White House visits for Thursday or Friday during independent study time. You will be required to provide Social Security numbers of all participants when booking a White House visit.
How do I pay for my program?
We strongly encourage people to pay online, preferably by electronic check. We also accept credit and debit cards. Go to
My Account then
Individual Account Login, enter your participant ID and password (given by the teacher), and follow the directions there. If you prefer to use a personal check or money order, please make payable to Close Up Foundation and mail to:
REGULAR MAIL
Close Up Foundation
c/o Burke & Herbert Bank & Trust Co.
P.O. Box 25228
Alexandria, VA 22313
OVERNIGHT OR EXPRESS MAIL
Close Up Foundation
1330 Braddock Place, Suite 400
Alexandria, VA 22314
IMPORTANT: Your participant ID must be written on your check and a payment coupon must accompany all payments.
SCHOOL DISTRICTS: Your check must identify both the school ID and the participant ID to which the payment should be applied.
How do I print payment coupons?
Teachers can print payment coupons by going to
Teacher: School Account - select “Manage Account” and click on “Print Payment Coupons.” To print coupons for cancelled participant you must enter each ID number individually.
Participants can print their own payment coupons by logging in to
Individual Account Login, - select "Manage Account" and click on "Print Payment Coupon."
Can my school pay using a purchase order?
Yes. Purchase orders from school districts must be signed and include the school's name and school ID number. They can be mailed to Close Up's Finance Department at:
Close Up Foundation
1330 Braddock Place, Suite 400
Alexandria, VA 22314
Do NOT send checks to this address, it will delay processing.
Purchase orders can also be faxed to 1-866-236-2015. Fax ONLY purchase orders to this number.
How long does it take for payments to process?
Online payments made before 10:00 PM EST will be posted after 10:00AM EST the next day. Electronic check payments take 6 business days to process and post to your account. Credit/Debit card payments take 1 business day to process and post to your account. Payments that are mailed to our lockbox generally take about 2 weeks to process from the date they are mailed.
When are my payments due?
See our
Dates & Deadlines chart for the schedule.
What happens if my payments are late?
Participants are subject to cancellation from the program if payments are not received by the deadline (please refer to our
Dates & Deadlines chart). Final payments must be received no later than 30 days prior to the start of
the program.
Who do I contact if I have a question about my account?
Call 800-CLOSE UP (256-7387), ext. 3416 or email
schoolaccounts@closeup.org.
Will Close Up arrange my transportation?
Yes. Close Up offers roundtrip group transportation from a designated departure point in your community to Washington, D.C. We use all three D.C. metro airports which include: Washington Dulles (IAD), Reagan National (DCA) and Baltimore Washington International (BWI).To take advantage of this, choose the Close Up transportation option when you enroll. Whether you choose to travel with us or on your own, we strongly urge you to buy travel insurance from
Travel Guard. You may do so as part of the enrollment process or add it on a later time.
How do I contact Close Up Transportation?
Please call 1.800.336.3689 for any airline or ground transportation questions or concerns.
What are the benefits of choosing Close Up transportation?
The Close Up travel package is designed to provide our customers piece of mind.
Close Up's transportation package includes:
• Round-trip airline or ground transportation to and from the Close Up program.
• Round-trip airport/train station transfers on motor coach buses.
• Our Close Up staff will meet you on your arrival day at the airport or train station and help facilitate your transfer to your assigned hotel. Return service on your departure is also provided.
• Close Up provides a toll-free number staffed by our transportation team. Our team monitors all arriving and departing flights throughout the day. If any problems arise (delays or weather), please call 800-336-3689 and we will work with you in finding a solution.
Why should I use Close Up transportation?
Close Up makes travel to Washington as easy as possible. Our in-house travel coordinators use their expertise to negotiate the best possible prices.
Internet sites may offer lower ticket pricing, but they do not include the piece of mind the Close Up transportation package includes:
- • Our friendly staff will meet you on your arrival day at the airport or train station and facilitate your transfer to your assigned hotel on a motor coach bus and we will provide return service on your departure.
- • Close Up provides an 800 toll-free number staffed by our travel team during your travels to Washington D.C. Our team monitors all arriving and departing flights through our airline reservation systems. If any problems arise (delays or weather), we will work with you in finding a solution.
Can one student travel independently?
Yes. The student must complete and submit an
independent transportation form. By choosing this option, however, the student must make his or her own arrangements to get to and from the hotel. Forms must be submitted no later than 60 days before travel. After this point, we do not allow independent transportation with any price reductions.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
If you choose our transportation package, we'll greet you at the airport, escort you to a coach bus and transfer you to your hotel. If you book your own travel, you will need to make arrangements to get to and from the hotel via taxi, airport shuttle, Metro, or other means.
Can I arrive in Washington a day before my program starts or stay late?
Yes. Please select the Early Arrival or Late Departure options when you enroll.
Do I need identification to travel?
Adult passengers (18 and over) are required to show a U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID in order to be allowed to go through the checkpoint and onto their flight. Please refer to
www.tsa.gov> for a list of acceptable identification.
What are the new airline travel security rules?
Please go to the
Transportation Security Administration's website for the latest updates and frequently asked questions before you travel. TSA recommends that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
Are baggage fees included in the transportation package?
No. Baggage fees aren't included in the package price. All travel related fees are the sole responsibility of each passenger traveling and checking luggage. Please check your airline's website for the most current and up to date information regarding fees.
What do I need to know before I travel?
For a complete list of travel requirements and suggestions, print and read your
Travel Checklist before you travel.
Should I buy travel insurance?
Yes. We strongly recommend you and your students purchase travel insurance to protect your trip from the unexpected such as flight delays/cancellations, illness and bad weather. To purchase travel insurance or for more information, contact
Travel Guard or call 800-826-1300.
Where do participants stay during their program?
Our participants stay in convenient, quality hotels located in the metro area. Each hotel is carefully inspected to be of the highest quality possible at an affordable price. Our ability to secure close-in hotels enables teachers to spend more time learning and less time commuting.
When will the hotel information be available?
Hotel information is available through the
Teacher: School Account 40 days before the program start. Hotel assignments are confirmed roughly 30 days before the program starts.
What happens if the hotel assignment changes less than 30 days before my program starts?
If we need to change a school's assigned hotel, we will notify the coordinating teacher by email.
How are students housed during the week?
Students are housed four to a room. Each room has two double beds. On our high school program, each student chooses one roommate from his/her school. Another pair of students from a different community will be assigned to the room at random. In the event a school brings an odd number of participants, the participant without a roommate from his or her school will be placed in a room with participants from different schools. They will be placed in the same workshop and bus as a few of their classmates.
For our middle school program, all four students housed together are from the same school. If there are an odd number of students, we will do our best to ensure there are at least two students from the same school housed together. Teachers, please fill out the
Middle School Rooming Request and email it to Ashley at
amoran@closeup.org or fax it to 703-706-3530.
How are adults housed during the week?
Adults are housed two to a room. Adult rooms may be located on the same floor as student rooms. Each room has two double beds. Adults may indicate roommate choices on their enrollment forms. Adults may also request a private room for an additional charge. All private room requests are subject to availability.
How do I request a single room?
Adult participants may request a single room when they complete their enrollment form. The Teacher Fellowship does not cover the price of a single room. Payment for the single room is due at the time of the request. You may also contact your Close Up representative for more information.
Required Medical Forms
You must bring to Washington: 1) a completed
Medical Questionnaire Form and Consent for Treatment Form, and 2) your Health Insurance card or a copy of the front and back.
What if a student gets sick on program?
Close Up partners with several leading health care providers, including
Georgetown University Children's Medical Center (GUCMC) to ensure that students have access to quality health care should they get sick while on program.
911 emergency service is available around the clock -- from when our program starts until it ends. Fortunately, our program activities and the hotels students stay in at night are close to a number of excellent hospitals. Thus, help is usually not far away.
For a non-911 situation, typically we will be in contact with a triage nurse at GUCMC to determine what course of action to take. In some cases, we will transport the student to GUCMC for diagnosis and treatment. Its hours are Mon-Thurs, 8AM-7PM, Friday 8AM-6PM and Saturday 9AM to noon. If treatment is required outside these hours, GUCMC maintains a pediatric doctor on-call who will assist and make appropriate referrals. In the more serious cases, the student might be referred and transported to a specific medical facility for diagnosis and treatments. In others, a student might simply drink fluids and rest in her or his hotel room under the periodic supervision of Close Up staff.
As added precautions, Close Up program staff are trained in CPR, AED and First Aid. We also maintain a dedicated staffer on each program to assist students who are ill. Typically, this assistance includes accompanying them when they're taken for medical treatment, waiting with them at the facility while they're being treated, and accompanying them back to the hotel as well.
Close Up, along with your teachers will work together to ensure that students get timely access to quality health care should the need arise while on program. We have dedicated staff members to stay with any students that are not able to participate on program.
What if adults get sick on program?
911-type emergencies will be handled as such. For non-emergencies, a number of excellent community and urgent care facilities are available and we will work with you to coordinate your access to one of these should the need arise while you're on program.
Does Close Up staff receive any training?
Yes. Our program staff is trained in CPR, AED and First Aid.
What are Georgetown University Children's Medical Center office hours?
Monday through Thursday: 8AM to 7PM EST,
Friday: 8AM to 6PM EST,
Saturday: 9AM to noon EST.
How will I get to Georgetown Children's Medical Center?
A staff member will accompany and wait with any ill student during their appointment. Together, staffer and student will then return back to the hotel or program.
Will my child/student have to pay a co-pay for visits?
The amount of the co-pay depends on your primary insurance carrier. If your child/student doesn’t have money for the co-pay at time of service, Georgetown will bill the responsible party.
Will Close Up's secondary insurance cover medical bills?
You can apply for reimbursement through Close Up’s secondary insurance after using any travel insurance benefits and your primary insurance. Just like many other insurance policies, our secondary insurance has a $100 deductible for which participants are liable if they use this insurance while on program.
What if I don’t have health insurance?
We recommend that all participants purchase travel insurance that has medical coverage. To purchase travel insurance or for more info, contact
Travel Guard or call 800-826-1300. Our secondary insurance may also reimburse any paid, qualified expenses after the deductible.
Should I buy travel insurance?
Yes. We strongly recommend you and your students purchase travel insurance to protect your trip from the unexpected such as flight delays/cancellations, illness and bad weather. To purchase travel insurance or for more information, contact
Travel Guard or call 800-826-1300 for more information.
Who do I contact for special needs?
If you have questions or requests for students with special needs, contact Brent at 800-256-7387, ext. 3458 or email at
bbogan@closeup.org. Although we defray some of the costs, specialized assistance such as health techs or sign language interpretation may incur additional charges.
Should I bring my own prescription medicine?
Yes. You need to bring an adequate supply of medication and will self-medicate while on program. You need to notify us in advance of all medication that needs to be refrigerated and agree to pay additional charges of up to $60 for refrigerator use or rental.
Should I bring my own over the counter medicine?
Yes. You need to bring an adequate supply of medication and will self-medicate while on program. We are not able to provide participants with medications.