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Use federal funding to meet civic education and literacy goals with Close Up! LEARN MORE


Discover DC with the Ultimate Travel Experience!

High school students from across the country come together to make lasting connections with the people and places that represent our democracy.

Close Up programs are unlike any other!

Using the city as a living classroom, Close Up’s high school Washington D.C. trip allows 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?

All-inclusive, easy-to-plan approach
An all-inclusive, easy-to-plan approach
Exclusive access to the nation’s capital, its iconic sites and institutions.
Exclusive access to our nation’s capital and Washington insiders
Hands-on learning opportunities centered around U.S. history and government.
Interactive visits to famous monuments, museums, and institutions
Stimulating debate and discussion with peers from across the country.
Meaningful discussions with students from around the country
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A one-of-a-kind teacher experience with professional development
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A safe and secure environment at all times
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Highly trained program instructors who put students first
Intriguing case study analysis, exciting simulations, and other activities.
Engaging, hands-on learning opportunities
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A program curriculum that complements classroom learning

EXPLORE OUR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS

 

Washington, DC

Six-Day Program

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

Washington, DC

Four-Day Program

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

Virtual Programs

See our upcoming opportunities for engaging virtual programming!
*Open to individual participants Learn More >

Washington, DC & New York City

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

Washington, DC & Williamsburg

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

New Americans Program

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

American Indian Focus Programs

Consider the issues facing Indian Country in one of three exclusive programs in the nation’s capital. Learn More >

Create Your Own Program

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

Summer Programs

National Youth Impact Summit

In partnership with Stanford’s Deliberative Democracy Lab and NNSP, meet and deliberate with passionate students from across the country! Learn More >
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Develop the skills for a lifetime of active citizenship.

Our specialized 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. 
“

I plan to introduce Close Up’s professional development to the teachers I work with…

and use this as a part of my school’s requirement that students take action on issues of local, national, and international importance.

— Middle School, Educator, South Carolina ”
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“

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!

— Alison, Parent, MA ”
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“

I learned that there’s a huge network of people with the same goals and drive as me…

and that our collaboration really could make a difference. It gave me hope for the future of our communities and our nation!

— Kemper, Student, Texas ”
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“

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 >

We’ve moved (effective January 1, 2023)!
671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 900
Arlington, VA 22203

703-706-3300 or 800-CLOSE UP

E-mail us
© 2023 Close Up Foundation. All Rights Reserved.