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Election Week Program

 Experience Washington during one of the most exciting and pivotal moments in our country! 

Middle school students at Smithsonian National History Museum in Washington, DC Shadow

Witness the nation’s future unfold!

The midterm elections are one of the most thrilling events in our nation’s capital!  As part of our 5-day/4-night Election Week Program, students participate in hands-on activities and site visits with other young people from across the country to help them better understand the electoral process. They also travel to history-rich Philadelphia to learn how the decisions made in the 1700’s are still affecting how we are represented today.  Guided by our highly-trained instructors, students have the opportunity to: 

  • Discuss the historic events that have shaped our nation through visits to DC’s must-see sites; 
  • Discover Capitol Hill and encounter our legislative process first-hand by visiting the congressional galleries; 
  • Experience the world-renowned Smithsonian museums where our country’s history, art, and culture come alive;  
  • Make lifelong friendships as they exchange ideas with their peers from around the country; 
  • Participate in an exclusive Mock Election activity where they will take on the role of candidates and get real-time updates of the election; and 
  • Explore well-known historic sites such as Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House, and Carpenter’s Hall – the site of the First Continental Congress, and so much more! 

Participation in a Close Up program requires parent or guardian approval for any participants under 18 years of age.

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