;
Never has there been a more important time for young people to connect across distance and divides, engage with diverse perspectives, and understand the key issues in our country. We know that young people want to be part of the national conversation and are eager to learn about and discuss current issues and the world around them. Close Up’s Student Voices program provides middle and high school students with the exciting opportunity to talk with other students from across the country and more!
Through a series of four online discussions designed and facilitated by Close Up instructors, students will engage with their peers nationwide to consider multiple perspectives and deepen their understanding of how public policy affects local communities. Our curriculum specialists will also provide teachers with a virtual professional development training session and ready-to-use classroom resources to support continued student discussion and understanding of elections.
Student Voices: Current Issues allows students to examine today’s most pressing issues and discuss actions policymakers have proposed to resolve those issues. They will examine major policies, evaluate proposals that represent a range of viewpoints, and develop their own ideas of how to best address the issues.
Program Dates: This program is offered on a rolling basis March – June. A Close Up Representative will work together with you to schedule your classroom discussions. Each program includes four 45-minute online discussions designed and facilitated by Close Up instructors, where students will engage with diverse peers nationwide to discuss current issues.
Program Cost: $900 per classroom
Grade Levels: Student Voices is designed for either middle (6-8th grade) or high school students (9-12th grade). Middle and high school discussions are held separately.
Participation in a Close Up program requires parent or guardian approval for any participants under 18 years of age.
Community Engagement Experience
Debate and Discuss Current Issues
Creating the Next Generation of Change-Makers
Confront Challenges Facing Our Democracy
Learning Deliberative Democracy
Over 93% of students said Close Up’s virtual programs…
helped them understand the importance of using their voice to make change in their communities.