Upcoming Events

Close Up hosts and takes part in a variety of civic engagement events, both in person and online, to help students and teachers discuss policy issues and connect with members of our nationwide community. These discussions, deliberations, and presentations allow participants to hear different perspectives from experts and each other, and consider new approaches to engaging with current issues.  

NAIS Info Session: How AI is Shaping Our Paths

June 12, 2025 | 12pm ET | Online

Join Close Up, the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), and the Stanford University Deliberative Democracy Lab for a Zoom info session to hear more about the upcoming student program, From Classrooms to Careers: How AI is Shaping Our Paths, a NextGen Roundtable student deliberation taking place December 3-6, 2025, in Houston.

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NextGen Roundtable: AI & Democracy Summer Institute

July 13-19, 2025 | Stanford University | Palo Alto, CA

As technology plays a growing role in our society and politics, how can we help young people understand artificial intelligence and its implications on our world? How should we monitor AI? How can we make sure youth voices are heard as decisions are made to impact their future? During this weeklong institute, hosted in partnership by Close Up, the Deliberative Democracy Lab at Stanford University (DDL), and the Crowdsourced Democracy Team at Stanford Engineering, students will explore how rapid changes in tech and AI impact education, the environment, the economy, and our democracy and elections. You’ll hear from tech innovators, academics, and advocates; evaluate a variety of policies at the intersection of tech and society; and produce a youth report on your own recommendations. All attendees will also have the chance to earn a Certification in Civil Discourse through Close Up and DDL.

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NextGen Roundtable: Perceptions of AI

July 19 | 1-6pm ET (10am-3pm PT) | Online

Close Up and the Stanford University Deliberative Democracy Lab, in collaboration with a leading technology company, are inviting households nationwide to join us for an exciting day of deliberation! NextGen Roundtable: Perceptions of AI will gather teens aged 14-18, their parents/guardians, and educators from across the United States in an online Deliberative Poll® to learn more about, and express their opinions on, artificial intelligence and the use of AI tools in our world. Close Up is proud to provide an opportunity to showcase youth voices and gain insights about an emerging technology that will change education as we know it. To show our appreciation for your time, all participants will receive an honorarium (of $300 per household or $150 per educator) for completing this half-day of deliberation!

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National Deliberations for the 2024-25 School Year

Close Up and Stanford’s Deliberative Democracy Lab (DDL) host online issue deliberations for students nationwide. Deliberations take place virtually using Stanford’s online deliberation platform. Each event is two hours long and includes a synchronous deliberation followed by an expert panel seminar.

Stay tuned for more information about our next national online deliberation!

Requirements for participation: Students will need to read briefing materials ahead of the event, log on from their own device with headphones, and complete pre- and post-deliberation surveys. Dates and times subject to change.