Ashley Parra Application - Close Up Foundation

Ashley Parra Scholarship Award is a $500 scholarship to participate in a Close Up program.

In 2003, Ashley Parra was a sophomore at the Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet High School in Dallas, Texas, when she first participated in a Close Up program. The experience was so significant that she participated again in 2004, her junior year. The teacher leading those trips, Dave Lewis, remembers Ashley as a vibrant, intellectually curious, and highly motivated student. In 2008, Ashley was in the midst of taking classes at Southern Methodist University and had recently enrolled at the University of North Texas when she lost her life in a terrible car accident. This scholarship was founded in Ashley’s memory by her former teachers as a way of sharing Ashley’s love of travel and learning. Mr. Lewis established this fund and also helps to select a worthy student recipient each year.

The Ashley Parra Scholarship is typically awarded once per academic year, to support a student’s participation in a Close Up program. In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, Close Up and the donor are temporarily expanding the scholarship to three awards across the upcoming academic cycles:

One scholarship for a student participating in a Close Up program during the remainder of the current 2025-26 academic year; and
Two scholarships for students participating in Close Up programs during the 2026–27 academic year.

Close Up is currently accepting applications for students attending a Close Up program before June 30, 2026. The deadline to apply for this cycle is February 27, 2026. The deadline for the 2026-27 academic year will be posted in the summer of 2026.

Eligibility: Scholarship recipients are selected based on financial need, demonstrated commitment to program participation, and evidence of intellectual curiosity and civic interest. Applicants should clearly explain how receiving this scholarship would help make participation in a Close Up program possible, understanding that the award provides partial financial support toward the total program cost. Students applying must be in high school and attending a Close Up program in Washington, D.C..

Please complete the application details below. Once a scholarship has been awarded, students will receive notification from the Close Up Foundation. If you have any questions, contact us at support@closeup.org.

Student Name(Required)

Student Email(Required)

Student Phone(Required)

School Name(Required)

Address(Required)

Parent/Guardian(Required)

Parent Email(Required)

Parent Phone(Required)

Tell us about yourself

Grade Level(Required)

Academic Interests and Extracurricular Activities(Required)

Accomplishments/Awards(Required)

Short responses

Please write a short essay (250-400 words) addressing the three points listed: 1. Why should you be selected as an Ashley Parra Scholarship recipient and what do you hope to gain from participating in the Close Up program? 2. What are you most eager to learn and take back home with you? 3. What personal efforts are you taking to fundraise to get to Washington, D.C., and how will this assistance make the Close Up program accessible to you?(Required)

Please answer in 250-400 words.

Upload a Letter of Support from a Teacher

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