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IHS Close-Up Program desperate for funding
Published Monday, October 5, 2009
IRONTON — A popular educational program that offers high school students an in-depth and interactive view of the national democratic process, is in need of outside funding as participation has grown to levels not seen in years.
The Close-Up Foundation, a non-profit, non-partisan educational organization that allows high school students the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. and witness government first hand, has been a long-time extracurricular at Ironton High School.
Integrated Social Studies teacher and Close-Up faculty liaison Brian Bowling addressed the Ironton Board of Education Tuesday night asking for any assistance possible in continuing the program for 2010.
He said Ironton High School is the only high school left in the county that participates in the Close-Up program.
Bowling told the board that in past school years, four to eight students would sign up for the trip, but this year 18 students have shown in interest in the highly interactive program.
The approximate cost for each student to attend the six-day, five night program is $1,700, according to Bowling.
He added that students have been conducting a variety of fundraisers in the attempt to raise a portion of the tuition needed.
“I wanted to talk to you as I know the budget is currently very tight and this is an expensive trip,” Bowling said. “However this is a unique opportunity for our kids. This is a very intensive program and not a sight-seeing tour.”
Bowling said in previous years the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce has donated money to offset student costs of the trip, but said this year he has not received any reply following numerous attempts in contacting them.
Board Member Jerry Rowe, who also serves as plant manager for Liebert Corp., told Bowling he has been in discussions with the Chamber on the matter.
The board also heard first hand accounts from Ironton Senior Katy King who participated in the Close-Up program this past school year. King said the experience was “incredible.”
“This was a very educational and a very worthwhile program,” said King, who confessed to the board her trip to the nation’s capital was also her first time on an airplane.
Founded in 1970, the Close-Up Foundation’s high school program features students meeting with elected officials on Capital Hill, structured learning activities at the many historic monuments and memorials and the chance to “live and learn” with students from across the country.
Some colleges and universities also allow participation in the program to be put towards one credit of college.
While fun, the Close-Up program is also very challenging for students.
A typical day starts at around 7 a.m. and ends at 10 p.m. Tuition for the program is all-inclusive and covers room, board, in-town travel, supervision and security.
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Comments
Posted by chazz (anonymous) on October 5, 2009 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Close up is an OUTSTANDING experience. I went when I was in high school and loved every minute of it. It lets students get a feel of how the government works. We met with congressmen, sat in on a committee meeting, watched the supreme court in action, went to an embassy, met with lobbyist's. If there is any way to fund this it should be looked at.
Posted by OutofTown (anonymous) on October 5, 2009 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was also fortunate enough to participate in Close Up when I was in high school 15 years ago. Amazing isn't the word for what those students will see and do. Back then I can say that I wasn't sure what to expect once I got into DC, but now I can look back and know that I had my hand on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, and that I stood next to the Lincoln Memorial and went to the top of the Washington Monument. I may not have had much of a political opinion then, but it is a trip that I'll remember all of my life. One day when my children are older I hope I can take them as well. I was fortunate to have a group of people who could take me to places that I wouldn't have seen otherwise, and tell me things I didn't already know. These are lessons that can't be taught in a class and they'll see things that can't be conveyed through a picture in a textbook.
I know that times are tough and the economy is tanking, but if you are a business who can donate to help someone go- please do. It will be so monumental to them. Good luck IHS- I hope the funding comes through.
Posted by cashmere (anonymous) on October 5, 2009 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A constant theme on today's young people is that they don't know anything about government. Close Up is an outstanding opportunity for thousands of teen agers to see government "up close" and learn so much about our country.
I would rather money be spent on something like this than programs designed to get a student to pass a state standardized test that purports to test knowledge of social studies.
I guarantee that any student going on this trip will learn more about history than even the state of Ohio could test.
This is a worthwhile program to fund.
Posted by reader30 (anonymous) on October 5, 2009 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Close Up is a fabulous program that many students will not forget. This article states that IHS is the only school in the county that participates. I know that St. Joseph High School participates in Close Up. I hope that they too would be included in donations from the Chamber of Commerce as well.
Posted by LocalBoy (anonymous) on October 6, 2009 at 12:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is a good trip. I went on it when I was in high school. However, I completely paid my own way through fundraising efforts. Hopefully, these kids will enjoy some good success on that front as well. Remembering how I raised the money is actually one of my fonder memories of the occasion because of the novel method employed. I am allegic to chocolate, but got to Washington by selling candy bars for six months. However they get there - this is one trip no one is likely to ever forget. It really is a great learning experience.
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