Close Up's Washington D.C. Trip for High School Students

;

Close Up programs are unlike any other!

Using the city as a living classroom, Close Up’s Washington, D.C., trip allows high school students to make personal connections with the people and institutions that embody our nation’s past and present.

Close Up’s once-in-a-lifetime program opportunities are designed to inspire and empower students to become active participants in our democracy. With the help of our program instructors, students experience history and government, consider a variety of viewpoints on important current issues, and build the skills of engaged citizenship.

CHOOSE A PROGRAM > REQUEST INFORMATION >

Why Close Up?

An all-inclusive, easy-to-plan approach

Exclusive access to our nation’s capital and Washington insiders

Interactive visits to famous monuments, museums, and institutions

Meaningful discussions with students from around the country

speaker

A one-of-a-kind teacher experience with professional development

A safe and secure environment at all times

Highly trained program instructors who put students first

Intriguing case study analysis, exciting simulations, and other activities.

Engaging, hands-on learning opportunities

A program curriculum that complements classroom learning

EXPLORE OUR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Washington, D.C.

Six-Day Program

Learn about American democracy first-hand during this in-depth exploration of the nation’s capital. Learn More >

Customize a Program for Your School

Partner with Close Up to design a customized experience for your school! Learn More >

Civil Discourse Lab

A multi-day D.C. experience for students or educators to foster thoughtful discussion of current issues.

For Students > For Educators >

Washington, D.C. & New York City

Examine the relationship between business and government while visiting two of America’s most important cities. Learn More >

Washington, D.C. & Williamsburg

Study the evolution of American democracy by stepping back in time in two historical cities. Learn More >

Washington, D.C.

Four-Day Program

Explore the capital city in a fast-paced, four-day adventure! Learn More >

New Americans Program

Discover our nation’s diverse heritage in a D.C. program geared toward immigrant and migrant students. Learn More >

Indigenous Youth Programs

Examine the priorities and challenges of Tribal communities through D.C. programs designed for Native youth.   Learn More >

ELECTION WEEK PROGRAM

Watch our nation’s future unfold in the heart of D.C.! Learn More >

High school girls smiling in front of US Capitol Building

Shadow

Develop the skills for a lifetime of active citizenship.

Close Up’s Washington D.C. trip curriculum uses the principles of cooperative learning and experiential, issue-centered education to inspire and empower students. We focus on:

Reasoned discussion, debate, and deliberation of real-world issues;
Simulations of government processes;
Student facilitation and peer-to-peer engagement; and
Onsite learning about advocacy and policymaking.

LEARN MORE >

HAVE A QUESTION?
Contact Us >

“

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.

— Christie, Student, Texas ”

Read More Experiences >

“

Close Up is a positive experience for students…

seeing themselves as having the power to influence the democratic process.

— Sheilagh, Educator, California ”

Read More Experiences >

“

I think Close Up’s virtual program is an amazing experience…

to get out of the bubble of your own community.

— Kayla, Student, MA ”

Read More Experiences >

“

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.

— High School, Educator, Texas ”

Read More Experiences >