Close Up Foundation

Over many years of teaching I have been on many different tours. Close Up Washington, DC provided the best experience of them all! Of course when one of the owners of the company showed up at our 7 AM bus departure site before we left, I had a feeling these guys knew what they were doing.
I was impressed with the quality of instruction, supervision and dedication of the Close Up staff. They challenged our kids to problem solve, provided a mix of fun, educational activities. Brought us to interesting sites. Know their way around town and chose restaurants that offered food the kids liked. But, most appreciated was that they keep count of the kids and at night have a staff that sits in the hallways so the teachers on the trip can actually get some sleep!
Thank you Close Up for your organization and professionalism!

Thank You Mr. Dyrhaug. My American Government Teacher in 1980. Carter Was President. Mr. Peanut Farmer Himself. I took my 1^st plane ride on TWA-​RIP Trans World Airways. USA won Hockey in the Winter Olympics 1980 against USSR. Let me tell you about this foundation then you will see I owe Mr. Dyrhaug the world.
What happens on a Close Up program?
Close Up is a week-​long program jam-​packed with the sites and sounds of Washington, D.C. Our flagship high school program brings students to the heart of Washington to see their government in action. Throughout the week, students get face-​to-​face with members of Congress and/​or their staffs, leading policy experts, and influential lobbyists during question-​and-​answer sessions and debates. Plus students visit the city’s famous memorials and meet their peers from across the country and around the world, all while learning about their important role as citizens in a democracy.
Close Up has been the nation’s leading civic education provider since 1971. In that time, we’ve made it our mission to educate, inspire, and empower individuals to become active citizens in our democracy. Each year, through our Washington, D.C.-based experiential learning programs and our multi-​media publications, we help more than 1 million students and teachers in 15,000 schools nationwide develop the skills needed to begin a lifetime of active citizenship.
I am looking over my Daily Schedule we received at Breakfast each morning. I was in Washington D. C. February 25, 1980 til March 1, 1980. What a Mother F*c#$ing Trip!!!
At the time the Foundation was at 1055 Thomas Jefferson Street, N.W. Suite #316 20 007. I am such a pack-​rat I keep almost everything as a memento. I am glad I saved these daily «Schedule of Activities».
I was there with Deaf– Students in the USA Galledet. Fremont School in California. I learned American Sign-​Language. I know bad words and cuss words in ASA. hahahaha We had dances and parties.
We went to the Pentagon, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, The Smithsonian, The Supreme Court, Arlington, Capital and so much more. We rode the Subway when it was 1^st built. I remember my favorite station name is «Foggy Bottom». Remember the Deer that got loose in the Metro?
The Amount of Snow was enormous. I had cowboy boots. Slippery!
I guess that is why my civic passion for the USA is coming back. I got skills baby.
How long has Close Up been around?
Close Up’s first group of students came to Washington, D.C. in 1971. Since that time, more than 650,000 participants from across the country and around the world have participated in our programs.
What makes Close Up different from other travel organizations?
Close Up stands out among civic education organizations and tour companies in two important ways: our exceptional faculty and staff, and our commitment to teaching all students the skills they need to become active participants in their communities and their country. We handpick only motivated, college-​educated faculty dedicated to helping students develop socially and academically. Throughout the week, our instructors lead students through Washington, D.C., facilitating discussions and challenging students to think critically about the issues most important to them. In addition, we work hard to reach out to economically disadvantaged and under served communities, providing financial assistance to diverse constituencies including Native Americans, Latinos, African Americans, New Americans, migrants, Alaska Natives, and Pacific Islanders.
Hayikawaa and Cranston were still alive. Congressman Ronald V. Dellums was a young buck. Crime, Crack and Dinkins (OMG) had not arrived. The Streets Were safe. Chocolate City is a bit rough now. I digress.
Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States. It is coterminous with the District of Columbia (abbreviated as «D.C.»). The city and the district are located on the banks of the Potomac River and bordered by the states of Virginia (to the west) and Maryland (to the north, east and south). The city was planned and developed in the late 18^th century to serve as the permanent national capital; the federal district was formed to keep the national capital distinct from the states.
The city was named after George Washington, the first President of the United States. The district’s name, «Columbia,» is an early poetic name for the United States and a reference to Christopher Columbus, an early explorer of the Americas. The city is commonly referred to as Washington, The District, or simply D.C. In the 19^th century, it was called the Federal City.
I have been in the hot hot summer and cold winter. I am planning a trip to the Library of Congress. I cannot wait.
InfodivaMLIS is loving being a intelligent, aware Americano. Go OBAMA. I want to be there for the inauguration January 2009.