WASHINGTON (U.S. Interior Department) — Close Up Foundation, the nation’s largest non-profit civic education organization, announced that it has been awarded a grant of $1 million from the U.S.
Department of the Interior to conduct civic education programs in areas under the jurisdiction of the Office of Insular Affairs.
The technical assistance grant will provide funds for students and teachers from American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau and the United States Virgin Islands to participate on Close Up Washington and other island-based programs.
Close Up is planning to conduct a Washington Insular Areas Program in Feb. 2010.
Students and teachers will spend a week in the nation’s capital meeting with federal officials, engaging in public policy workshops, current issues debates and visiting historical sites.
They will also be traveling to New York City, Philadelphia and Williamsburg, Virginia as part of their Close Up experience.
“We are pleased to be able to offer students from the Insular Areas these Close Up opportunities,” said Tony Babauta, Interior’s Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas. “These civic education programs provide our young people with a deeper understanding and appreciation of government and the role that each individual plays in our democratic system.”
