Requires the free Adobe Acrobat Reader . Since its founding in 1970, Close Up has worked to promote responsible and informed participation in the democratic process through a variety of educational programs. Close Up's mission is built on the belief that textbooks and lectures alone are not enough to help students understand the democratic process and make it work. Close Up s national, state, and local experiential government studies programs strengthen participants knowledge of how the political process works, increase their awareness of major national and international issues, and motivate them to become actively involved in the world around them.
All individuals deserve the opportunity to become fully engaged citizens of our democracy.
At the Close Up Foundation, we strive to make our programs accessible for all citizens, regardless of age, race, or ability. The support the Foundation receives from foundations, corporations, individuals, and Congress allows Close Up to provide tuition fellowships for economically disadvantaged students. Since the inception of its Washington-based programs in 1971, the Close Up Foundation has welcomed more than 500,000 students, educators, and other adults to the nation s capital. Tens of thousands more across the country participate in state and local government studies programs . The Close Up message of citizen participation reaches millions annually through award-winning publications , video productions , and national television programming .