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What Happens Here Can Change Your World!

Close Up Foundation is the leader in civic education, classroom discourse, and exciting hands-on student travel programs.

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Explore our experiential civics programs!

Since 1971, more than one million students and educators have participated in Close Up programs. Our mission is to inspire young people to find their unique voice and help them develop the skills and awareness they need to be engaged citizens for life. 

Join us to make lasting memories as you interact with the people, places, and institutions that shape our nation, and discover how your voice can make an impact on American democracy. 

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We make government relatable and teachable.

Are you looking to build on the interest young people showed in this past election season? Close Up is engaging youth nationwide through our Premier Election Series programs in Washington, our Fostering Civil Discourse and Pluralism Beyond Election Day professional development for educators, and our ongoing national and local deliberation opportunities for students.

JOURNEY BEYOND THE CLASSROOM