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


Discover Your Voice with the Ultimate Student Travel Experience!

Make lifelong memories as you come face-to-face with the people and places that shape our nation, and discover how your voice can make an impact on democracy.

Close Up experiential civic education programs are unlike any other!


Using D.C. as a living classroom, middle school and high school students make personal connections with the people and institutions that embody our nation’s past and present.

With the help of our program instructors, students learn more about history and government while considering a variety of viewpoints. Close Up’s once-in-a-lifetime student travel opportunities are designed to inspire and empower students to become active participants in our democracy.

Check out all of our program options for middle school and high school students below! 

 

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 >

MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS

 

Washington, D.C.

Watch history come to life in this ultimate, hands-on D.C. experience! Learn More >

Fourth of July 2025

Celebrate Independence Day with Close Up in D.C. and Philadelphia! Learn More >

Customize a Program for Your School

Partner with us to design a customized D.C. experience for your school. Learn More >

Washington, D.C. & New York City

Explore the inspiring landmarks, monuments, and memorials in two iconic cities! Learn More >

Washington, D.C. & Philadelphia

Journey through history by exploring these important American cities. Learn More >

Washington, D.C. & Williamsburg

Discuss the evolution of American democracy in visits to two of our nation’s most historical cities. Learn More >

Washington, D.C. & Mount Vernon

Experience U.S. history up close with visits to our nation’s capital and the estate of our first president. Learn More >

New Americans Program

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

Local Programs

Start a local program in your area focused on state and local history! Learn More >

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
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A one-of-a-kind teacher experience with professional development
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A safe and secure environment at all times
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Highly trained program instructors who put students first
Intriguing case study analysis, exciting simulations, and other activities.
Engaging, hands-on learning opportunities
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A program curriculum that complements classroom learning
“

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 >
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“

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 >
Created with Raphaël 2.2.0 and Mapael undefined (https://www.vincentbroute.fr/mapael/)
“

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 >
Created with Raphaël 2.2.0 and Mapael undefined (https://www.vincentbroute.fr/mapael/)
“

Close Up is a positive experience for students…

seeing themselves as having the power to influence the democratic process.

— Sheilagh, Educator, California ”
Read More Experiences >
Created with Raphaël 2.2.0 and Mapael undefined (https://www.vincentbroute.fr/mapael/)

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.

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