;

Use state and federal funding to meet civic education and literacy goals with Close Up! LEARN MORE


Discover D.C. with the Ultimate Travel Experience!

High school students from across the country come together to make lasting connections with the people and places that represent our democracy.

Close Up programs are unlike any other!

Using the city as a living classroom, Close Up’s Washington, D.C., trip allows high school students to make personal connections with the people and institutions that embody our nation’s past and present.

Close Up’s once-in-a-lifetime program opportunities are designed to inspire and empower students to become active participants in our democracy. With the help of our program instructors, students experience history and government, consider a variety of viewpoints on important current issues, and build the skills of engaged citizenship. 

CHOOSE A PROGRAM > REQUEST INFORMATION >

Why Close Up?

All-inclusive, easy-to-plan approach
An all-inclusive, easy-to-plan approach
Exclusive access to the nation’s capital, its iconic sites and institutions.
Exclusive access to our nation’s capital and Washington insiders
Hands-on learning opportunities centered around U.S. history and government.
Interactive visits to famous monuments, museums, and institutions
Stimulating debate and discussion with peers from across the country.
Meaningful discussions with students from around the country
speaker
A one-of-a-kind teacher experience with professional development
first aid kit icon
A safe and secure environment at all times
business or teacher female icon
Highly trained program instructors who put students first
Intriguing case study analysis, exciting simulations, and other activities.
Engaging, hands-on learning opportunities
book icon
A program curriculum that complements classroom learning

EXPLORE OUR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS

 

Washington, D.C.

Six-Day Program

Learn about American democracy first-hand during this in-depth exploration of the nation’s capital. Learn More >

NextGen Roundtable: AI & Democracy Summer Institute

Join us at Stanford University this summer to study policy at the intersection of technology and society! Learn More >

Customize a Program for Your School

Partner with Close Up to design a customized experience for your school! Learn More >

Civil Discourse Lab

Customize a four-day, deliberation-focused program to help your students think critically and develop empathy for other views. Learn More >

Washington, D.C. & New York City

Examine the relationship between business and government while visiting two of America’s most important cities. Learn More >

Washington, DC & Williamsburg

Study the evolution of American democracy by stepping back in time in two historical cities. Learn More >

Washington, D.C.

Four-Day Program

Explore the capital city in a fast-paced, four-day adventure! Learn More >

New Americans Program

Discover our nation’s diverse heritage in a D.C. program geared toward immigrant and migrant students. Learn More >

American Indian Focus Programs

Consider the issues facing Indian Country in one of three exclusive programs in the nation’s capital. Learn More >
High school girls smiling in front of US Capitol Building Shadow

Develop the skills for a lifetime of active citizenship.

Close Up’s Washington D.C. trip curriculum uses the principles of cooperative learning and experiential, issue-centered education to inspire and empower students. We focus on:

  • Reasoned discussion, debate, and deliberation of real-world issues; 
  • Simulations of government processes; 
  • Student facilitation and peer-to-peer engagement; and 
  • Onsite learning about advocacy and policymaking. 
“

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.

— High School, Educator, Texas ”
Read More Experiences >
“

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.

— Margaret, Student, New York ”
Read More Experiences >
“

I plan to introduce Close Up’s professional development to the teachers I work with…

and use this as a part of my school’s requirement that students take action on issues of local, national, and international importance.

— Middle School, Educator, South Carolina ”
Read More Experiences >
“

Close Up made me realize how SIGNIFICANT my thoughts and views are…

Although everyone will not always agree, everyone has a voice and needs to be heard.

— Christie, Student, Texas ”
Read More Experiences >

671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 900
Arlington, VA 22203

703-706-3300 or 800-CLOSE UP

CST-1002082-40:
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

E-mail us
© 2025 Close Up Foundation. All Rights Reserved.