Close Up informs, inspires, and empowers young people to exercise the rights and accept the responsibilities of citizens in a democracy.

They believe that a healthy democracy requires active and informed participation by each and every citizen. Therefore, Close Up partners with public and private schools, educators, and youth organizations across the country to reach students of every race, religion, academic standing, geographical background, and socio-economic level. Close Up welcomes participation in its programs without regard to gender, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. Since 1971, more than 825,000 people have participated in their programs.