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I know what you’re doing this summer.

Are you looking for a memorable way to spend summer 2025? Close Up is going coast to coast, with brand-new summer offerings in Washington, D.C., and California!

Fourth of July | June 30-July 5 | High School & Middle School: Experience Independence Day with Close Up in our nation’s capital, including the legendary fireworksand festivities on the National Mall!
Deliberative Democracy and the Digital Age | July 13-19 | High School: Close Up, the Deliberative Democracy Lab (DDL), and the Crowdsourced Democracy Team are gathering at Stanford University to study and evaluate tech and AI policy. Join our information session on January 30!

We hope to see you again this year!

Join Close Up, Stanford, and peers nationwide for an online deliberation!

Deliberation has been shown to alleviate polarization, moderate opinions, and produce lasting effects on policy opinions, voting intention, and mutual respect. That’s why Close Up and DDL are hosting free, ongoing, online deliberations to engage students nationwide using Stanford’s AI-assisted Online Deliberation Platform. Each event includes 60 minutes of small-group deliberation on current policy issues followed by a 60-minute plenary session with experts and policymakers, giving students a chance to learn from an array of perspectives and form their own considered opinions.

We will be hosting national deliberations for students during Civic Learning Week (March 10-14, 2025). More information is coming soon!

Sign up to receive updates on our high school deliberation.

Sign up to receive updates on our university deliberation.

Pride (In the Name of Rural Voters)

Close Up was so proud and impressed to see one of our alumni, Emilea Johnson, voicing her opinions as a first-time voter from rural America in the pages of the Chicago Tribune! Be sure to check out Emilea’s thoughtful op-ed!

Ch-Ch-Changemakers

What an honor it was to see Close Up included in The Hill’s Changemakers: 24 of 2024! We’re so proud to be among the people and organizations who, in The Hill’s words, are “making an impact at the Capitol and around the world” and “setting the pace and shaking things up in Washington.” Be sure to check out their interview with Close Up CEO Eric Adydan and President Mia Charity!

Remembering Jimmy Carter, 1924-2024

In 1980, the White House hosted a landmark event to give Close Up students the unique opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with President Jimmy Carter. Watch one student’s thoughtful question about how to connect with people of all backgrounds and hear President Carter’s insightful response emphasizing the importance of finding common ground.

Looking for an internship in Washington?

Want to get your foot in the door? See who’s looking for interns in our nation’s capital!  

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, a valued partner of Close Up, offers a paid Congressional Internship Program for undergraduate students and recent graduates. Applications launched on August 15!

On Capitol Hill, check out the House and Senate employment bulletins. If a move to Washington isn’t possible just yet, reach out to your representative’s district office about local opportunities.

Most cabinet departments have internships for college students or recent graduates, including the Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and Department of Homeland Security.

Interested in working in journalism? The NBCUniversal Internship Program has roles all over the country and Fox 5 DC offers an unpaid academic credit program for college juniors and seniors.

Colleges often have advising and career resources—check with your school to see if they can help you find a Washington internship!

How do you write a great resume?

Don’t forget the basics! Include contact information like your address, phone number, and email.  
Don’t simply list the responsibilities of a past job; use action verbs to describe what you did in the role. Highlight the skill used, not the task performed.
In addition to work experience, list any scholarships, academic accolades, or extracurricular organizations. 
List valuable skills, such as proficiency in a particular computer program or the ability to speak more than one language.
Keep it concise. Don’t overwhelm employers with details. Help them focus on the important information.
Consider the format. Keep your resume clear and organized to keep the reader’s attention.
Use formal language. Avoid using personal pronouns like “I” or “we.”
Proofreading is essential! Consider having a friend or parent look over your resume to catch any errors you may have missed.

We want to highlight you!

Where has life taken you since your Close Up experience? What have you carried with you from your time in Washington? Share your story with us—we would love to spotlight your reflections, insights, and achievements!

“I absolutely love and cherish my time with the Close Up program. It was one of the best times in my high school journey. I got the opportunity to learn about D.C., U.S. government, and how you can always make a difference in your community by working together for the common good. In addition to all the learning, I made lifelong friends from places all over the nation and world whom I would have never met if I had not done the program. We are currently trying to plan a trip together to meet up with one another!”

–Jacqueline F., Close Up Alum, 2002  

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