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.
We make government relatable and teachable.
Are you looking to spark students’ interest ahead of America’s 250th anniversary and the 2026 midterm elections? Close Up is engaging youth nationwide through our programs, our professional development workshops for educators, and our national and local deliberation opportunities for students—including NextGen Roundtable: Decision 2026 this summer in Washington, D.C.!
I think Close Up’s virtual program is an amazing experience…
Close Up brought me CLOSER to politics…
the entire notion no longer seemed obscure. I became very involved in politics on the local and national level.
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!
As a government teacher, it’s nice to have more resources…
for teaching media literacy and having students critically think about the information they receive.
671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 900
Arlington, VA 22203
703-706-3300 or 800-CLOSE UP
CST-1002082-40:
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.
