We have partnered with teachers and administrators from across the nation to deliver impactful and powerful civic programming to middle and high school youth. From expanding Close Up’s reach to more schools throughout their state to helping launch locally based programs, these individuals embody the spirit and passion for civics that we strive to impart in youth.
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.
Close Up brought me CLOSER to politics…
the entire notion no longer seemed obscure. I became very involved in politics on the local and national level.
Close Up is a positive experience for students…
seeing themselves as having the power to influence the democratic process.
I learned that there’s a huge network of people with the same goals and drive as me…
and that our collaboration really could make a difference. It gave me hope for the future of our communities and our nation!
Close Up Foundation
1330 Braddock Place, Suite 400
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-706-3300 or 800-CLOSE UP
Jim Currin truly embodies Close Up’s mission to inform, inspire, and empower the students of his community. For over 40 years, Jim has helped not only the students of Triton High School but students all across North Carolina make the trip to Washington, DC, to experience Close Up. His tireless hours of promoting Close Up have impacted nearly 1,000 students and though he is retired from active teaching, he has no plans to stop leading and promoting the trip in the years to come! His dedication and passion to serving generations of students truly exemplifies what it means to be an advocate for civic engagement!
Dave Michaelson has created a lasting impact on his community by leading the Close Up program at Dickinson High School in North Dakota for over 30 years. Hundreds of students and adults from the Dickinson community have Dave to thank for their Close Up experience. He is a strong advocate for Close Up and has given his free time to mentor many teachers who are new to the program. Dave is a prime example of what it means to be a Close Up teacher and a leader in civic education.
Through Close Up’s Program for New Americans and the creation of Rally to Tally Programs, Rosy Ugalde has impacted thousands of middle and high school students and educators throughout the state of Florida. Her advocacy, passion, and dedication to serving immigrant students not only makes her a champion for civic education, but a real visionary. She is an inspiration to the Foundation and truly exemplifies our mission to reach and empower all young people within our democracy.
For nearly 30 years, Sally Farr has committed herself to providing Katy ISD students the opportunity to experience Close Up. As a teacher and district coordinator, Sally helped impact over 2,500 students and teachers through Close Up. Close Up’s first custom program – Founding of a Nation – came as a result of Sally’s vision and leadership. Sally’s continued dedication to observing and evaluating both teacher and student programs has been instrumental in helping Close Up constantly improve and innovate our programming.
A true champion of the Close Up mission for over 30 years, Ty Vignone established one of the first Close Up classes in the country, made the Washington program a rite of passage for Newton High School students, and inspired the program at other Boston area schools. Ty truly embodies the Close Up mission to inform, inspire, and empower young people to be active participants in the political process.
For 45 consecutive years, Patrick Collins has partnered with the Close Up Foundation to encourage thousands of young men from Belen Jesuit Preparatory to become active and engaged citizens. No teacher in the history of Close Up has partnered longer or with greater distinction than Pat. His commitment, passion, and dedication to civic education is unparalleled and truly inspirational.