Close Up is gearing up for a historic celebration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026! Marketing and Communications Intern Pilar Zapien explores Close Up’s America 250 Commemorative High School Program, a six-day journey offered in the spring of 2026 that takes students to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Through historic site visits, meetings with leaders, and interactive civic workshops, students will explore America’s past, connect with peers nationwide, and gain the skills to help shape our future. Read more at