Claude Pepper Scholars
In 2015 the Claude Pepper Scholars program was established by the Claude Pepper Foundation to provide scholarships to help students from underserved communities and economically disadvantaged backgrounds in Miami-Dade public schools to participate in the Close Up Foundation Washington program. Over the past few years the Pepper Foundation has provided support for students to participate in the program and has continued to increase the number of student participants to become Claude Pepper Scholars to provide an opportunity for a greater number of students in the Miami-Dade community to benefit from the Close Up Foundation’s Washington program.
The Close Up Washington program offers intense, inspiring, and skill-building experiences that give students the opportunity to discuss and debate current issues with peers; interact with key policy, media, and advocacy experts; meet with their Members of Congress and staffs; and participate in legislative simulations. Using the nation’s capital as a living classroom, students learn and practice the habits of active, effective citizenship, with an emphasis on how to articulate their own viewpoints and to listen with respect and tolerance to those of others.
2026 Claude Pepper Scholars
Mikayla Gurrier
School: Miami Jackson Senior High School Current Grade: 10th
Profile: I am very interested in learning about the government. I’m always looking to meet and interact with people from diverse backgrounds to learn about how our government is supposed to work. I also look at this as a great way to engage myself in this country. I have perfect attendance and am on the academic honor roll.
N’amia Blanc
School: William H. Turner Technical Arts High School Current Grade: 11th
Profile: I am Junior at Turner Tech, part of the Dungeons and Dragons after-school club, and interested in the history of the country. I’m especially interested in the role in history that Black Americans and immigrants had in America’s foundation. I plan to broaden my history knowledge by participating in Close Up, as the capital is a hotspot for history. Along with this, my academics reflect the fact that I am invested in learning and expanding my horizons.
Amanda Adams
School: Charles W. Flanagan High School Current Grade: 9th
Profile: I’m a freshman at Charles W. Flanagan. I spend most of my free time practicing for the marching band. I can’t wait to see DC on the Close Up program and I pride myself on always being me and doing my best no matter what.
Janice Fields
School: Booker T. Washington Senior High School Current Grade: 9th
Profile: I am an honor roll student enrolled in all advanced-level classes at Washington HS. Last year I completed my “Jr. Computer Engineering Course” and I’m passionate about helping my community and learning how government can make a positive difference. Senator Claude Pepper believed in education, cooperation, and standing up for what is right, and I try to reflect those values by staying curious about how our government works and how citizens can create change. I want to learn not only for my own success, but also to better understand how decisions made by leaders affect people’s everyday lives.
Nala Francois
School: William H. Turner Technical Arts High School Current Grade: 9th
Profile: I’m a volleyball player at Turner Tech high school who believes that meaningful change starts with personal initiative and a consistent commitment to public service. I approach leadership with the understanding that representing a community requires both a listening ear and the courage to take a stand. I aim to represent my peers with integrity and demonstrate the positive impact that a driven, civic-minded student can have on the future of our political landscape.
Ashanti Stafford
School: William H. Turner Technical Arts High School Current Grade: 10th
Profile: I am a HOSA member and spent the first nine weeks of school on the principal’s honor roll. I am motivated, focused, and serious about my future education. I work hard in my classes and I take opportunities that help me learn more about college and career options. I am working towards getting into college and starting my life in a new environment to see what is possible for me after high school.
Vanetly Rodriguez
School: William H. Turner Technical Arts High School Current Grade: 9th
Profile: I am a big softball player and a police explorer. I am always motivated to learn, grow, and make a positive difference in my community. I am interested in public service and want to better understand how leadership and government can help solve real problems. I hope this program can help me improve my leadership and communication skills, and learn how I can be more involved as an active and informed citizen.
Joel Blucher Jr.
School: Law Enforcement Memorial High School Current Grade: 9th
Profile: I spend my time going to extracurricular activities like basketball, Overtown Youth Center, and bible club, but I’m always hoping to do more. I’m always excited to tackle once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to learn about the government in hands-on, meaningful ways. I strive to build a democracy that helps everyone feel connected to the decisions that shape our country. Being surrounded by motivated students from diverse backgrounds pushes me to think critically and share my perspective.
Adryline Braithwaite
School: William H. Turner Technical Arts High School Current Grade: 11th
Profile: As part of my school’s wrestling team I’ve built discipline, teamwork, leadership, and resilience under pressure. I also run track and cheer in the other seasons and have participated in the college prep program and scrapbook club. I tutor elementary students in my spare time and try to pass on my leadership skills to the next generation.
Franklin Veras
School: William H. Turner Technical Arts High School Current Grade: 9th
Profile: As a freshman at William Turner Tech High School, I’m still learning where I fit in, but being in OYC and FFI has given me the opportunity to experience new things to prepare for colleges and learning with my friends.