Explore on Student Program!
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.
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.
Virtual Learning with Close Up!
It’s more important than ever to help young people connect to the world around them, develop a sense of community, and learn how to make an impact on the issues that matter most to them. Close Up has a variety of virtual offerings to support students and educators during this time of distance learning.
Virtual Programs – Led by Close Up Instructors, these student engagement experiences ensure that the upcoming school year is rewarding, empowering, and full of genuine student connection.
Current Issues Resources – Our innovative digital libraries are designed to provide comprehensive and balanced resources that easily integrate current issues into the virtual classroom.
Professional Development – Through live and on-demand sessions, teachers gain the skills, tools, and strategies needed to successfully facilitate discussions of controversial issues in the classroom.
Close Up 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.
I learned that there’s a huge network of people with the same goals and drive as me…
and that our collaboration really could make a difference. It gave me hope for the future of our communities and our nation!
Close Up is a positive experience for students…
seeing themselves as having the power to influence the democratic process.
Close Up made me realize how SIGNIFICANT my thoughts and views are…
Although everyone will not always agree, everyone has a voice and needs to be heard.
I’m truly blown away by what Close Up’s been able to accomplish in the last two weeks during IMPACT 2020…
The material seems very high level, and my daughter’s been very motivated to participate every day. I wanted to be sure to commend the staff on providing such a great experience!
We’ve moved (effective January 1, 2023)!
671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 900
Arlington, VA 22203
703-706-3300 or 800-CLOSE UP
Learn how you can take advantage of our Early Bird pricing for a 2023/24 program!
