Eight Billings high schools students who participate in the Expanding Horizons youth program traveled to Washington, DC this week to participate in the Close Up Program.
From Montana to D.C.: How new experiences are building confidence and pride
When young people step outside of their everyday surroundings, something powerful happens—they begin to see themselves, their communities, and their future in a new way. This trip to the nation’s capitol to participate in the Close Up program created that opportunity for our students, allowing them to experience new places while strengthening their sense of identity and pride in where they come from.
Our students were most excited about the opportunity to step into new environments while representing where they come from. Often, the strongest sense of pride in home emerges when they’re away from it—whether sharing that they’re from Montana, specifically Billings, their individual high schools, or their tribes.
That pride was especially evident during “Coffee with Montana,” where students were asked not only where they’re from, but what tribe or tribes they’re from—creating meaningful moments of recognition and connection. These experiences are helping students expand their horizons while staying grounded in who they are.
Students have also been deeply engaged in exploring the history of Washington, D.C. while connecting with peers from across the country. Highlights included a tour led by Ryan Zinke and even a student taking their first-ever flight—moments that quickly turned into confidence-building experiences.
One especially meaningful outcome has been seeing a senior of ours who is now planning to major in political science and return to Washington, D.C., showing how these experiences are shaping future goals.
Overall, students have stepped into these opportunities with growing confidence and pride. For me, this has come full circle—the first time I ever flew and visited Washington, D.C. was in 2015, and it changed my life. Seeing our students begin that same journey is a powerful reminder of what these opportunities can spark.
The Close Up Foundation (often just called the “Close Up program”) is a long-running, nonpartisan civic education program focused on helping young people understand government and become more engaged citizens.