Participate in America in One Room: The Youth Vote

Student participants must be 18 and eligible to cast their first vote by Election Day. Participants can be rising high school seniors or rising college freshmen at the time of the program, but they must be 18 years old and eligible to vote by Election Day. 

No. The program is underwritten by a nonpartisan philanthropy, so there is no cost for students to participate. If you are selected for the in-person program, America in One Room: The Youth Vote will pay for all travel to and from Washington, hotel accommodations, and meals during the program. If you are not selected for the in-person program, you will have the chance to participate in virtual activities as the event takes place.

This program opportunity is for students only. Students must be able to travel by themselves. Upon acceptance, Close Up will be in communication with students and parents to ensure that they are prepared for travel and know what to expect on the program.

We will arrange roundtrip transportation and greet students upon arrival in D.C. Close Up staff will oversee the supervision of students during the program.

Close Up will book all transportation for student participants. We book roundtrip transportation from a designated departure point in each region to Washington, D.C. We use all three airports in the Washington metropolitan area: Washington Dulles (IAD), Reagan National (DCA), and Baltimore Washington International (BWI). Students will be greeted at the airport, escorted to a coach bus, and transferred to the hotel by Close Up staff. For students who live closer to the Washington area, we may book Amtrak train travel into Washington Union Station (WAS). Participants can also choose to drive to Washington to be dropped off for the program and picked up afterwards.

Close Up uses national hotel chains such as Marriott, Sheraton, and Hyatt in the Washington metropolitan area. All hotel information will be given to participants as well as parents/guardians as soon as students are accepted into the program. 

Close Up has a partnership with Georgetown Pediatrics, which will help to provide medical support when necessary. Students and parents must fill out the required medical forms before arrival and provide a copy of their insurance card.  

Students are supervised 24/7. Close Up program instructors guide students throughout the day. In the evenings, Close Up night monitors are stationed in the hallways of the hotel. Students are also given a 24/7 contact number in case of an emergency.   

Students may travel with additional money for souvenirs if they are interested, but it is not required. 

Casual, comfortable attire is acceptable throughout the week.   

Students who are not selected for the in-person event are invited to take part in a virtual deliberation and livestream of the expert panel seminar on one day of the program. This is a fantastic opportunity to talk to your peers nationwide, make your voice heard, and play an integral part in America in One Room: The Youth Vote!

Feel free to email us at oneroom@closeup.org with any questions!