My experience with the Close Up program was overall amazing. The program provided a very organized and smooth experience for the youth we serve. Everything that was included in this program was very beneficial such as the bus transportation, the friendly guides that explain each site to the youth and the extra support that they gave to staff.
As a teacher who has taken students on the Close Up trip for 12 years and counting, I can confidently say that it is a life changing experience for all involved. Every detail of the program is thoroughly planned out and the safety of participants is top priority. Students come away with not only seeing all of the sites of Washington D.C, but more importantly, knowledge of foreign and domestic issues facing the nation, the experience of engaging in courageous conversations and an increased desire for civic learning and political activism. I recommend the Close Up experience with enthusiasm and without any reservations. You will not be disappointed!
January 2020 was my first chance to take my students on the trip to Washington DC with Close Up. Ahead of the trip, which we organized on short notice, the representative from Close Up was able to not only walk me through what needed to be done, but was able to come to my school twice to meet with me and meet with prospective parents. Then when the day came we were able to fly down to DC from Connecticut, which was possible thanks to Close Up being able to set those flights up for us, and that same rep was there to help us check in. The time the students had was phenomenal and they got the chance to interact with kids from other states and different ideological backgrounds. They got to tour the city with staff that couldn t have been more prepared or more passionate about the program. Teachers also get a program to participate in, though you can opt to accompany the students if you want, and you get to see some of the lesser known areas around the DC area. Our guide was absolutely amazing in his knowledge and sense of humor. On the last day we got to visit the offices of our two CT senators and our district s representative, though with impeachment going on at that point we met with members of their staff. That experience was still great and enlightening. I was bummed that this year we couldn t go, but looking forward to taking more students to participate in the program in January 2022. I cannot recommend Close Up any more strongly. Give them a shot, you won t be disappointed.
It was an opening environment. We talked about criminal justice, school systems in the US, how we can actually make a change, plus a lot more. They had amazing speakers that the whole group can say taught us how to speak out more against things we want changed. I definitely recommend joining if you are interested in politics and activism.
Several months ago, my junior class participated in the Close Up program, and we still talk about it all the time. It was truly a life changing experience I will never forget.
Since attending Close Up I have become far more engaged in politics. I am even considering choosing a career path that relates to politics - something I never would have thought I would do before visiting Washington D.C.
I highly recommend participating in the Close Up program if you are into US history or love debating, and even if you don't! There is truly something for everyone.
My experience with Close Up has been amazing. The programs are perfect for students while making them believe they have a voice. I would recommend the program to anyone looking for a way to engage their young person.
Amazing experience for students and wonderful staff! I highly recommend, Close Up.
I've brought two middle school groups to CloseUp and they are remarkable. They really know how to maximize a trip, both in what you get to see, and how they relate the places and iconic monuments to important political questions. It isn't a stream of sites - they give you context and open-ended questions to tie the site to its history and to show the kids that it matters, in the modern day.
Close Up programs have been perfect for our students. What I particularly appreciate is Close Up's willingness to work closely and thoughtfully with us as a school, to tailor what they offer to suit our curriculum, our magnet theme, and our needs in a particular moment in time. Our students have gained so much from their programs, both in-person and virtual!
This program is a great opportunity for students who wants to get involved in politics. I have had government class in my school but my school didn't cover those topics the way this foundation hosted it and taught in just 5 days
closeup.org
