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

Washington High School Program

Get a first-hand look at how the U.S. political system works and the role young people play in our government.

Use DC as a living classroom!

Close Up Foundation’s Washington D.C. High School Program is a one-of-a-kind trip for students to experience their government in action. During this six-day/five-night program, students make personal connections with the people, institutions, and iconic sites that embody our nation’s past and present.  

As students tour our nation’s capital and forge new, lasting friendships, they have the chance to: 

  • Discuss current issues with experts, policymakers, and members of Congress or their staff; 
  • Explore Capitol Hill and witness a live congressional committee hearing to see how policy is crafted;* 
  • Engage in meaningful discussions with peers from around the country and debate the most pressing issues facing our nation in a Mock Congress; 
  • Visit and study the famous monuments and memorials, world-renowned museums, and hallowed institutions that define our history; and 
  • Get a glimpse of diplomacy by visiting an embassy and meeting an ambassador or diplomat.* 

Tight on time? You can also get the Close Up educational tour of Washington, DC, in four fun-filled days!  

BROCHURE > EN ESPAÑOL >    VIDEO >

*Subject to availability. 

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.

READY TO VISIT DC?

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 >

Fourth of July 2025

Celebrate an unforgettable Independence Day in D.C. with Close Up! 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 >

Empowering Girls’ Voices: The President’s First 100 Days

Work together with girls nationwide to examine the new president's priorities and create a National Agenda for Change. 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

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 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 >

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

“

I think Close Up’s virtual program is an amazing experience…

 to get out of the bubble of your own community.

— Kayla, Student, MA ”
Read More Experiences >
“

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 >
“

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 >
“

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 >

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.