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

Washington Middle School Program

Experience everything Washington, DC, has to offer through first-hand interactions with history and government!

Live and learn in the nation’s capital!

Our four-day/three-night Washington Middle School Program is more than just a tour of DC’s famous monuments and memorials. Students examine the people, events, debates, and enduring questions that have forged our form of government.  

Guided by our highly trained program instructors, Close Up students have the opportunity to: 

  • Discuss the events that have shaped American history through visits to DC’s must-see sites; 
  • Engage with peers to debate the most pressing issues facing our nation in an exciting Mock Congress; 
  • Discover Capitol Hill and experience the legislative process by visiting the congressional galleries; 
  • Explore the world-renowned Smithsonian museums where our country’s history, art, and culture come alive; and 
  • Make lifelong friendships and exchange ideas with students from around the country! 

BROCHURE > EN ESPAÑOL >    VIDEO >

Participation in a Close Up program requires parent or guardian approval for any participant under 18 years of age. Learn how we keep all students safe, secure, and supervised on every program.

READY TO COME TO DC?

EXPLORE ALL 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 >

Close Up has decades of grant experience; contact us today for assistance with using your federal funds!

“

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 ”
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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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“

As a government teacher, it’s nice to have more resources…

for teaching media literacy and having students critically think about the information they receive.

— High School, Educator, Texas ”
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“

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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Alexandria, VA 22314

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