Pilar Zapien

Pilar Zapien is a marketing and communications intern at Close Up. She grew up in Northern Virginia and is currently studying Interdisciplinary Literature and Spanish at the University of California Santa Cruz. Over the past two years, she has held two research fellowships and is now a research assistant in a lab focused on artificial intelligence and astrobiology.

Posts by Pilar Zapien:

Civil Rights & Individual Liberties

The Rise and Impact of Phone Bans in U.S. Public Schools

September 12, 2025

In recent years, cell phones have moved from novelty to necessity in daily life, but in U.S. public schools, they’ve also become a battleground. Facing growing concerns about distraction, mental health, and safety, state legislatures and school boards across the country are implementing bans on student phone use during the school day. Supporters say the […]

Teens at the Ballot Box: The United Kingdom Lowers the Voting Age to 16

August 22, 2025

In July 2025, the United Kingdom approved a change to lower the national voting age from 18 to 16, set to take effect before the next general election. The decision will give roughly 1.6 million teenagers the right to vote in all UK elections, a shift that supporters say will invigorate democracy and critics warn […]

Close Up Prepares to Celebrate America 250 in D.C. and Philadelphia

July 15, 2025

In the spring and summer of 2026, Close Up is offering a powerful opportunity for students to experience American history where it happened, and to consider how they can help shape what comes next. To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Close Up’s America 250 Commemorative High School Program […]

Current Issues Blog

Pilar Zapien

Posts by Pilar Zapien:

The Rise and Impact of Phone Bans in U.S. Public Schools

Teens at the Ballot Box: The United Kingdom Lowers the Voting Age to 16

Close Up Prepares to Celebrate America 250 in D.C. and Philadelphia