Capitol Hill Day Meet with your members of Congress or their staff Attend and observe Congressional Committee Hearings to see how laws and policies are formed Explore the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center and Museum Lunch at the Longworth Cafeteria, a hot spot for Washington insiders  Visit the Supreme Court where many landmark cases are decided Explore the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world, and view the symbolic art and architecture Witness the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives in action in the Galleries Dinner at DC’s Historic Union Station  DC Cultural Event See a show at a renowned theater, an exclusive performance, or cheer on the Washington Nationals baseball team!  Community Action Workshop What actions can you take to contribute on a local and national level? White House Photo Op Discuss the role of the executive branch as you walk through the President’s neighborhood Neighborhood Study Visit and Lunch Explore DC off the beaten path, e.g. Georgetown, Chinatown Pentagon 9/11 Memorial In what ways did the events of 9/11 change America forever? Arlington Cemetery Visit our nation’s most hallowed ground and witness the Changing of the Guard Closing Reflection How will you stay engaged on issues that matter to you? Banquet and Dance Enjoy a fun-filled evening with your new friends as you dance the night away Thursday Sightsee in Washington Prior to your departure, spend some more time in the city with your school Depart for Home Friday Arrive in Washington Meet your Close Up Concierge and explore DC with your school Welcome Dinner Group Orientation Meet students from across the country and get to know your Close Up Program Instructor Introduction Workshop* What are the biggest issues that we face in our democracy today?  Issues Debate Ask your most challenging political questions and engage with a liberal and a conservative DC insider Sunday Three Faces of Democracy Study Visit* How do the ideas championed by these famous figures impact society? Jefferson Memorial—What about our government would Jefferson agree or disagree with today? FDR Memorial—Should government take an active role in providing for people’s basic needs? MLK Memorial—How can an ordinary citizen accomplish extraordinary things? Lunch at Reagan Building and International Trade Center Embassy Discovery Step foot on “foreign soil” and discuss the international political landscape Smithsonian Institution Exploration Visit one of the world-renowned museums to discover and learn about history and culture Dinner at Hotel Current Issues Discussion Debate hot topics with your new friends from across the country Social Time Monday War Memorials Study Visit What do the WWII, Vietnam, and Korean Memorials say about those who have served and sacrificed? Lincoln Memorial How does the imagery of the Lincoln Memorial portray his legacy? National Politics Seminar Gain inside access and discuss current issues with a DC lobbyist, journalist, or policymaker  Lunch at National Place Capitol Hill Group Photo U.S. Marine Corps Memorial Visit the larger than life representation of the iconic flag-raising at Iwo Jima Dinner at Pentagon City  Mock Congress Workshop Debate, amend, and vote on the same issues elected representatives are currently considering  Social Time Tuesday * Workshops are small learning communities comprised of students from various states. Each workshop community is led by the same Close Up Program Instructor for the duration of the trip. * Study Visits led by highly-trained instructors provide unique opportunities to learn using historic sites and institutions as living classrooms. Sample schedule subject to change. Wednesday Extend your stay! – Michelle, Student, CA Enhance your Close Up experience and spend an extra day in DC! Choose to visit the NEWSEUM, DC’s interactive museum of journalism and current events, or MT. VERNON, George Washington’s home in Virginia! Close Up was one of the best experiences ever! Ilovedeverything, and I will never forget this trip!