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

Teacher Program Electives

Join us for an exciting slate of thematic electives during the 2025-26 school year!

Let Close Up show you a new side of our nation’s capital!

A core aspect of Close Up Teacher Program are our electives, thematic experiences designed by our teacher program specialists that tell the stories of important people, places, events, and relationships that shaped our nation’s history. Scroll down the page to find out more about the half-day and full-day electives you’ll have to choose from in 2025-26! 

Capitol Hill Walking Workshop

Capitol Hill Walking Workshop

 An ideal elective for first-time high school teachers looking to find their bearings.

Chancellorsville Battlefield

Chancellorsville Battlefield

 Examine presidential leadership in a time of conflict. 

For Jobs and Freedom

For Jobs and Freedom

 Hear the undertold and forgotten stories of the 1963 March on Washington.

Indigenous America in the Nation’s Capital

Indigenous America in the Nation’s Capital

 Look back in history at this story of resistance, equality, justice, and dignity.

Engaging with Monuments

Engaging with Monuments

 Explore the Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorials.

An Evening at the Memorials

An Evening at the Memorials

 Experience the World War II, Korean War Veterans, Vietnam Veterans, and Lincoln Memorials at night.

Divided We Stand

Divided We Stand

 Uncover the political divisions between two of our most important founders: George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

The People’s House: A White House Experience

The People’s House: A White House Experience

 Created by the White House Historical Association, this new, cutting-edge educational experience sits one block from the White House.

Capitol Hill In Depth

Capitol Hill In Depth

 Focus on the history of Capitol Hill and hear fascinating stories from the past 221 years.

Spies Like Us

Spies Like Us

 Uncover World War II-era covert actions and the intriguing people involved in them.

Si Vis Pacem

Si Vis Pacem

 Go back in time to the landmark Washington Conference on the Limitation of Armament.

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

 Wander the former residence and grounds of Marjorie Merriweather Post.
“

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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“

Close Up is a positive experience for students…

seeing themselves as having the power to influence the democratic process.

— Sheilagh, Educator, California ”
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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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