Upcoming Events

Close Up hosts and takes part in a variety of civic engagement events, both in person and online, to help students and teachers discuss policy issues and connect with members of our nationwide community. These discussions, deliberations, and presentations allow participants to hear different perspectives from experts and each other, and consider new approaches to engaging with current issues.  

National Deliberations for the 2024-25 School Year

Close Up and Stanford’s Deliberative Democracy Lab (DDL) host online issue deliberations for students nationwide. Deliberations take place virtually using Stanford’s online deliberation platform. Each event is two hours long and includes a synchronous deliberation followed by an expert panel seminar.

Stay tuned for more information about our next national online deliberation!

Requirements for participation: Students will need to read briefing materials ahead of the event, log on from their own device with headphones, and complete pre- and post-deliberation surveys. Dates and times subject to change.

Good Trouble: Creating a Model for Student Community Activism

April 3, 2025 | 12:00-1:00pm (EST) | Free for Close Up/NNSP Schools, all others $45

In this webinar, educators will learn from Dr. Latrisha Chattin from Benchmark School about how she incorporates civic engagement and social justice in both a public charter middle school and an independent school. This model encourages students to take pride and ownership of their local communities in the form of community activism.

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Close Up at the VCSS 2025 Summit

April 4, 2025 | Richmond, VA

If you’re planning to attend the rescheduled Virginia Council for the Social Studies Summit in Richmond, be sure to snag a seat at Director of Professional Development Sante Mastriana’s session, “Multipartisan Instructional Techniques in the Era of Partisanship.” See you there!

NextGen Roundtable: AI & Democracy Summer Institute

July 13-19, 2025 | Stanford University | Palo Alto, CA

As technology plays a growing role in our society and politics, how can we help young people understand artificial intelligence and its implications on our world? How should we monitor AI? How can we make sure youth voices are heard as decisions are made to impact their future? During this weeklong institute, hosted in partnership by Close Up, the Deliberative Democracy Lab at Stanford University (DDL), and the Crowdsourced Democracy Team at Stanford Engineering, students will explore how rapid changes in tech and AI impact education, the environment, the economy, and our democracy and elections. You’ll hear from tech innovators, academics, and advocates; evaluate a variety of policies at the intersection of tech and society; and produce a youth report on your own recommendations. All attendees will also have the chance to earn a Certification in Civil Discourse through Close Up and DDL.

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