;

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 experiential civics programs!

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

Join us to make lasting memories as you interact with the people, places, and institutions that shape our nation, and discover how your voice can make an impact on American democracy. 

Shadow

We make elections relatable and teachable.  

Are you looking to make the most of this exciting election season? Close Up is engaging youth nationwide through our Premier Election Series programs in Washington, our Navigating Challenging Election Issues at School professional development for educators, and our free Election Toolkit of nonpartisan classroom resources.  

JOURNEY BEYOND THE CLASSROOM