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

Create Your Own Program

Close Up works with hundreds of schools, districts, and organizations each year to design class trips and programs that complement curricula.

Looking for a customized Close Up experience?

Close Up allows you to tailor every aspect of your program, including dates, length, themes, and specific activities. Partner with Close Up to create an exclusive program just for you and your students. Our customizable programs are ideal for a school or organization that wants:  

  • A program designed specifically for a grade level or course (minimum of 40 students required);  
  • A focused program theme such as U.S. government and history, civil rights, foreign policy, ethics and leadership, civic engagement, or a specific current issue;  
  • To complement a school’s mission, curriculum, or research/capstone projects;   
  • Comprehensive resources to prepare students for your program and to continue the learning experience upon returning home; and  
  • Programming in Washington, DC, and/or out-of-town options such as Mount Vernon, Williamsburg, Charlottesville, Gettysburg, Philadelphia, or New York City.  

Participation in a Close Up program requires parent or guardian approval for any participant under 18 years of age. Learn how we keep all students safe, secure, and supervised on every program.

EXPLORE ALL HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS

 

Washington, DC

Six-Day Program

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

Washington, DC

Four-Day Program

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

Virtual Programs

See our upcoming opportunities for engaging virtual programming!
*Open to individual participants Learn More >

Washington, DC & 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 >

New Americans Program

Discover our nation’s diverse heritage in a DC 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 >

Create Your Own Program

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

Summer Programs

National Youth Impact Summit

In partnership with Stanford’s Deliberative Democracy Lab and NNSP, meet and deliberate with passionate students from across the country! Learn More >

Close Up has decades of grant experience; contact us today for assistance with using your federal funds!

“

I’m truly blown away by what Close Up’s been able to accomplish in the last two weeks during IMPACT 2020…

The material seems very high level, and my daughter’s been very motivated to participate every day. I wanted to be sure to commend the staff on providing such a great experience!

— Alison, Parent, MA ”
Read More Experiences >
“

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!

— Kemper, Student, 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 >
“

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 >

We’ve moved (effective January 1, 2023)!
671 N. Glebe Road, Suite 900
Arlington, VA 22203

703-706-3300 or 800-CLOSE UP

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© 2023 Close Up Foundation. All Rights Reserved.