Fourteen students and three team leaders from the Marshall Islands departed Majuro on May 15 to participate in a two-week educational exchange program in Washington, DC, New York City, and Philadelphia. The delegation joins peers and educators from across Micronesia and the United States as part of the annual Close-Up Program, a renowned civic education initiative that promotes cultural exchange, government engagement, and leadership development. The RMI delegation is scheduled to return to Majuro and Kwajalein on May 28.
The participating students were selected from high schools across the Marshall Islands, proudly representing their atoll districts:
• Jaluit Atoll: Jaluit High School;
• Kwajalein Atoll: EHS, GEM, KAHS and Father HHS;
• Majuro Atoll: MCHS, LHS, LSA, MCS, SDA, AHS, MIHS and MBCA;
• Wotje Atoll: Northern Islands High School.
This diverse representation highlights the program’s national scope and commitment to inclusive educational opportunities across the country.
The RMI Close-Up Program is part of a broader national initiative aimed at exposing students to the democratic processes and institutions of the United States. During their two-week visit, the students will:
• Meet with U.S. government officials and policymakers
• Participate in educational workshops and cultural dialogues
• Explore national landmarks, museums, and historical sites
• Engage with students from other Pacific Islands and US schools.
Their itinerary includes time in Washington, DC, where they will visit the US Capitol, Supreme Court, and other federal institutions; New York City, with a focus on international diplomacy through visits to the United Nations Headquarters; and Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy.