Mission

Our Work

Close Up is a non-profit and non-partisan organization that believes a strong democracy requires active and informed participation by all citizens. Therefore, we seek to serve young people from all communities and backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, gender, socioeconomic level, or academic standing. Since 1971, over 900,000 students, teachers, and parents have participated in Close Up’s Washington, DC-based programs.

Our issue-centric, nonpartisan curriculum is designed to provide participants with a stronger understanding of government institutions, history and current issues, and their roles as citizens.

Close Up fulfills its mission through a variety of local and Washington, DC-based programs, professional development for educators, and classroom resources.

Close Up’s goal is to engage and inspire every person to find their voice and to help young people develop critical skills for tackling the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.