Media - Special Focus | High School Student Travel

High school students meeting with their representative on Capitol Hill

Take an in-depth look at how media influences public policy.

This program will examine coverage of major national news stories by various news outlets and include seminars with DC-based media experts to discuss and debate the First Amendment. During media week, students have the opportunity to:

Be inspired by the famous monuments, world-renowned museums, and hallowed institutions that define our history;
Meet with their Congressional delegation on Capitol Hill;
Explore Capitol Hill and witness a Congressional Committee Hearing in action*;
Engage in meaningful discussions with peers from around the country and debate the most pressing issues facing our nation in a Mock Congress; and
Get a glimpse of diplomacy in action by discovering an embassy and meeting an ambassador or cultural attaché.

*When Congress is in session and open to the public.

READY TO ENROLL?
CLICK HERE >

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 >

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 >

Customize a Program for Your School

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

Washington, DC

Four-Day Program

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

Deliberative Democracy and the Digital Age

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

“

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’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 >

“