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


Discover Your Voice with the Ultimate Student Travel Experience!

Make lifelong memories as you come face-to-face with the people and places that shape our nation, and discover how your voice can make an impact on democracy.

Close Up Programs are Unlike any Other!

 

Using DC as a living classroom, students make personal connections with the people and institutions that embody our nation’s past and present.

With the help of our Program Instructors, students learn more about history and government while considering a variety of viewpoints. Close Up’s once-in-a-lifetime opportunities are designed to inspire and empower students to become active participants in our democracy.

Check out all of our program options for middle and high school students below! 

 

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 >

MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS

 

Washington, DC

Watch history come to life in this ultimate, hands-on DC experience! Learn More >

Washington, DC & New York City

Explore the inspiring landmarks, monuments, and memorials in two iconic cities! Learn More >

Create Your Own Program

Partner with us to design a customized DC experience for your school. Learn More >

Washington, DC & Philadelphia

Journey through history by exploring these important American cities. Learn More >

Washington, DC & Williamsburg

Discuss the evolution of American democracy in visits to two of our nation’s most historical cities. Learn More >

Washington, DC & Gettysburg

Experience U.S. history up close with visits to our nation’s capital and a hallowed Civil War battlefield. Learn More >

Founding of a Nation Program

Get an in-depth view of U.S. history in a journey to several of the most notable cities on the East Coast. Learn More >

New Americans Program

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

Local Programs

Start a local program in your area focused on state and local history! Learn More >

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
“

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 >
“

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 brought me CLOSER to politics…

the entire notion no longer seemed obscure. I became very involved in politics on the local and national level.

— Margaret, Student, New York ”
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.