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SIGN UP: MHS Close Up Program

SY 2025-2026 MHS CLOSE UP Application Information

Have you ever wanted the chance to educate other people about the CNMI? Are you interested in getting a "close-up" view of the inner workings of the federal government of the United States? 

The Close Up Insular Areas Program will provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to visit our nation's capital, Washington, DC, to showcase their knowledge of their local cultures and government and to meet students from around the country. Students will also be given the opportunity to visit historic sites in Philadelphia, PA and New York, NY. 

Airfare, ground transportation, and three meals for each day of the program will all be covered by the Close Up Foundation through a grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The tentative dates for this year's trip are May 3 to May 13, 2026. These dates are subject to change and may be adjusted to accommodate for travel days.

Here are some of the basic criteria for participants from Marianas High School:

    •    Applicants/participants must be United States citizens with an active US-issued passport that will not be expiring in 2026. Students who are currently applying for or renewing their passport should not apply. 

    •    Participants must be in good health to actively engage in outdoor activities, ensuring they can fully immerse themselves in the experience and contribute effectively to the learning environment. Physical fitness and mental well-being are essential for participants to enjoy and benefit from outdoor activities while minimizing the risks associated with potential challenges or exertions they may encounter. Participants will be expected to walk close to or more than 20,000 steps daily.

    •    Participants must be of good personal character (applicants should not have received any disciplinary action for any reason during their time in high school) and must have high levels of emotional and social maturity, and must be respectful of all peers and school staff. 

    •    Participants must be willing to work with and spend a significant amount of time with other people, including people they do not know. Participants will be sharing hotel accommodations (including beds) with other students they have not met before.

    •    Participants must have excellent academic standing in all on-ground and any online classes and must be willing to complete all assigned tasks during the program. This trip includes a rigorous academic agenda. Because the trip takes place during the school year, participants must work with all teachers regarding assignments in advance.

    •    Participants must be students in their second or third year at MHS (i.e. Sophomores or Juniors) who will not be graduating during the school year 25-26. Participants are expected to return to represent MHS during any CNMI-level Close Up activities next school year.

The selection process is going to be very competitive! Marianas High school has been awarded three slots for participants and will designate one alternate. The alternate will take the place of one of the main three students if they will no longer participate in the trip for any reason. Important application deadlines are at the end of this email.

Please apply only if you are sure you will be available during the trip dates specified above and if you are willing to commit to all the program requirements. If you have any questions about the Close Up trip or the application process, see Ms. Patricia Sablan in room A202 during Break or request for a meeting via email.

The application process includes the following steps:

    1    Response to an essay prompt and personal statement prompt (see instructions below)

    2    Teacher recommendations (see instructions below)

1. Essay Prompt: In 400-500 words, write a response to the following prompt: Should the CNMI become one of the United States, an independent country, or remain a U.S. territory? Why?

2. Personal Statement: In 200-300 words, explain why you should be given the privilege and opportunity to participate in the 2026 Close Up Insular Areas Program. What sets you apart from the other applicants? How do you believe participating in this trip will benefit you and your future as a citizen of the CNMI? 

3. In addition to the prompts above, please include: your grade level and the expiration date of your US passport. Reminder: Applicants with a passport that expires in 2026 will not be eligible to participate. 

Any sources used must be cited on a "works cited" page using MLA format. Essays with outside information that is not cited will not be considered. All writing (with the exception of any cited information) must be your original work.

Applicants with the highest scoring essays and exceptional personal statements will then move on to the interview round, with dates to be determined later.

Teacher recommendations: Two teacher recommendations are required. You may only seek recommendations from teachers whose classes you have taken for at least one full semester. Teachers who agree to complete a recommendation for you will be sent a recommendation form. 

DEADLINES:

    1    Email a PDF of your essay and personal response (on the same document) to patricia.sablan@cnmipss.org by Tuesday, February 10th at 11:59 PM. Include your grade level and the date of expiration for your U.S. passport in the email. See the rubric attached.

    2    Send an email with the names and email addresses of the two teachers who have agreed to complete your recommendations to patricia.sablan@cnmipss.org by Friday, February 6th at 11:59 PM. 

Students must use their @mycnmipss.org email address for all email communication regarding this application process.