;

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

Special Focus High School Program Series

Our SFP series has additional components, seminars, and study visits to bring students face-to-face with the people and institutions that impact policy decisions in and around Washington, DC.

mock congress student learning talking Shadow

These unique Special Focus Programs are offered only once a year; register today!

  • Media: The Fourth Branch of Government: Consider how the media influences public policy with exclusive seminars and special discussions.

      Learn More >

  • Service and Sacrifice: Learn more about America’s role in the global political sphere as you explore DC through the eyes of the Armed Forces.

      Learn More >

EXPLORE ALL 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 >

NextGen Roundtable: AI & Democracy Summer Institute

Join us at Stanford University this summer to study policy at the intersection of technology and society! 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

Customize a four-day, deliberation-focused program to help your students think critically and develop empathy for other views. Learn More >

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, DC & 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 >

American Indian Focus Programs

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

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 ”
Read More Experiences >
“

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 ”
Read More Experiences >
“

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 >
“

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 ”
Read More Experiences >

671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 900
Arlington, VA 22203

703-706-3300 or 800-CLOSE UP

CST-1002082-40:
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

E-mail us
© 2025 Close Up Foundation. All Rights Reserved.