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From Classrooms to Careers: How AI is Shaping Our Paths 

A NextGen Roundtable deliberation hosted by Close Up, NAIS, and Stanford’s Deliberative Democracy Lab. 

We’re inspiring student leaders to turn tough topics into thoughtful conversations.


This December 3-6 in Houston, Close Up, the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), and the Stanford University Deliberative Democracy Lab (DDL) are hosting From Classrooms to Careers: How AI is Shaping Our Paths, a NextGen Roundtable national deliberation for high school students to help them critically examine the role of AI in the lives of today’s young people. The goal? To facilitate meaningful conversations about what the future holds with this rapidly evolving technology, to build students’ deliberation and facilitation skills, and to help them understand how they can put those skills to use back at school.

A faculty advisor must attend the NAIS Symposium on AI and the Future of Learning which will be held concurrently in Houston and will provide insights, tools, and connections to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape in our schools.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW >        SAMPLE SCHEDULE >

 

PROGRAM DETAILS

 

Dates: Wednesday, December 3 – Saturday, December 6, 2025 

Tuition: $1495 per student. This includes all summit sessions, evening activities, meals, hotel accommodations, and daytime and nighttime supervision and security. 

Location & Hotel: The program will take place at a hotel in the Houston, TX metropolitan area. 

Registration for this program is now closed. If you would like to join the waitlist, please email us at programsupport@closeup.org.

 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

 

Over the course of this deliberative experience, students will consider multiple perspectives on AI-related policy topics, critically examine their own views, explore the values and tensions that shape opinions, hear from expert panels, and ultimately work with a diverse cohort of peers to reach consensus.  

Following the deliberation, DDL will produce a Youth Impact Report to evaluate movement in student dispositions, measure open-mindedness to multiple perspectives, and reflect youth recommendations. Students will also be eligible to earn a Civil Discourse Credential through Close Up and DDL.  

 Students will:  

  • Deliberate on the role of AI using a portfolio of balanced and vetted materials. 
  • Learn from panels of experts in relevant technology and policy fields.    
  • Hear from and engage with DDL leaders. 
  • Work and build relationships with students from across the country.   
  • Develop the skills of facilitation, listening, empathy, and understanding of diverse perspectives to bring deliberation and civil discourse back to their schools. 

 

FAQs

Who is eligible to participate in the program?
What is the student tuition?
Where does the program take place?
Do schools need to send a faculty advisor to the concurrent NAIS educator summit in order for students to participate in this program?
Is there a limit to the number of students I can register?
When is the deposit deadline?
Where do students stay during the program?
About Close Up
About the National Association of Independent Schools
About the Stanford University Deliberative Democracy Lab
  • Learn about our other upcoming program with NAIS in Washington, D.C., in January 2026!

EXPLORE CLOSE UP-NAIS PROGRAMS

 

Civil Discourse Lab

A multi-day D.C. experience for students or educators to foster thoughtful discussion of current issues. Learn More >

From Classrooms to Careers: How AI is Shaping Our Paths

Build deliberation and facilitation skills in Houston with Close Up, NAIS & Stanford University!  Learn More >

NAIS Student Civic Leadership Summit

Engage with young leaders in D.C. to make a lasting community impact! Learn More >