Cybersecurity Accelerator Program
Gain professional experience and build networks to launch a career in the cybersecurity industry.
Apply today and align your passion for innovation with the skills employers expect and professional connections that will unlock opportunities for success in this high-growth and high-paying field.
Whether you’re already knowledgeable about the cybersecurity industry, or you’re a “cyber-curious” learner eager to explore opportunities in this growing area, the Cybersecurity Accelerator Program is a way to gain skills and connections that can lead to a rewarding job and career.
Held in Washington, D.C. from April 18 to 21, 2024, the program will provide direct access to leaders in the wide-ranging field of cybersecurity, AI and more. Explore job and career possibilities in technical and non-technical roles, including some of the most in-demand and high-paying positions in today’s job market.
Program components will include workshops on professional skills relevant to all jobs in today’s workplace – such as networking, communications, critical thinking and managing-up – which help provide an advantage in early career development. In-person networking with leaders in technology, AI, tech-business, policy and more will provide an opportunity to build connections that can lead to rewarding jobs and careers.
Washington, D.C. is home to not only the future of tech policy, but offices of many leading technology companies and thousands of tech jobs. This is an opportunity to shape an exciting professional future. The program costs $1,595 including housing, and fully funded scholarship opportunities are available for eligible students.
2023 Cybersecurity Accelerator Program Highlights
TWC launched the first Cybersecurity Accelerator Program in 2023, welcoming 40 learners with diverse backgrounds and areas of technical and non-technical interest. All had the enthusiasm and desire to build a rewarding career in this field.
Click to View the 2023 Experience
Program participants represented the future of cybersecurity professionals, with the backgrounds and perspectives needed to fuel innovation:
- 40% of participants were first generation college students.
- 90% of participants identified as being part of a historically marginalized racial or ethnic group, including learners from Black, Hispanic, Asian and Indigenous backgrounds.
- More than 50% of participants identified as female or non-binary.
- Participants ranged from 19 years to 43 years old.
Scholarship Opportunities Available
In-state (resident) students attending universities in Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania may be eligible to receive a scholarship to cover the cost of the program, student housing at TWC’s Residential & Academic Facility and a food/travel stipend.
To receive a scholarship, accepted students who meet the requirements must commit to attending and fully participating in the Cybersecurity Accelerator Program in Washington, D.C. from April 18-21, 2024.
A Commitment to Access, Equity and Inclusion
TWC recognizes that diversity brings innovation and creativity to the workplace and encourages fresh perspectives. Specific to Cybersecurity, the complex problems that the industry tackles demand diverse approaches. As such, we are committed to shaping the future of the Cybersecurity workforce so that it is representative of the full diversity across the U.S. and allows inclusion and belonging for talent of all backgrounds and lived experience.
This program is designed as a career accelerator for historically marginalized and neurodiverse populations. Students from these groups are especially encouraged to apply:
- Women
- Veterans
- LGBTQ+
- First-generation students
- Persons with disabilities
- Neurodiverse individuals
- Low-income individuals (as measured by Pell Grant eligibility)
- Individuals from historically marginalized racial and ethnic backgrounds
- Students who attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, ANNAPISIs, Tribal Colleges and other MSIs
Housing and Living
During the Cybersecurity Accelerator Program, you’ll stay in TWC’s furnished intern housing in the NoMa neighborhood of Washington, D.C. You’ll be within walking distance of the Capitol Building, National Mall and the best that D.C. has to offer (not to mention essentials like grocery stores and the Metro).
TWC’s housing is accessible via public transportation, including Amtrak/MARC/VRE/Bus via Union Station. Parking is NOT available on site; however, nearby options (additional cost) are available.
Housing
Most participants share a 2-bedroom/2-bath apartment with three other participants in our modern academic and residential building. We'll provide everything you need, most of what you'll want and even some perks you might not have expected.
Each apartment is fully furnished and includes:
- a full dining set (pots, pans, dishes, silverware, coffee maker and toaster)
- refrigerator
- microwave
- dishwasher
- iron and ironing board
- vacuum cleaner
- mop and broom
- washer and dryer
- wi-fi
What to Pack
Please be prepared to pack the following:
- bed linens (twin XL sheets)
- bath towels
- blanket
- pillow
- personal toiletries
- government-issued ID card
- small folding umbrella
- business casual or smart casual attire for academic sessions and site visits
- casual attire for evenings and weekends
- laptop (optional)
- notebook and pens
- clothes hangers
Housing Services
Our housing is managed by a dedicated housing services team to ensure you have everything you need to live comfortably.
We want every student to be able to maximize their experience, so we offer reasonable accommodations to students with documented disabilities. TWC's housing is ADA accessible, and wheelchair accessible apartments are available to participants who need them. We also allow documented service animals and emotional support animals.
Eligibility
To be eligible to participate in this program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- If accepted, commit to attending and fully participating in the Cybersecurity Accelerator Program in Washington, D.C. from April 18-21, 2024.
- If accepted, commit to upholding TWC’s Seminar and Short-Term Policies (including the Student Code of Conduct) before and during the program experience.
Dates and Deadlines
Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Check-In: Thursday, April 18, 2024
Check-Out: Sunday, April 21, 2024
How to Apply
The application period for the 2024 Cybersecurity Accelerator Program is now closed.
We offer many other immersive learning programs to build skills and networks for careers. Please visit https://twc.edu/find-program to learn more.
Application Documents
Below are the documents you’ll need to submit with your application. Please note that your documents must be saved as PDFs in order to upload them.
Statement of Interest: In 100-250 words, tell us what makes you an ideal fit for this program, share your goals for the experience, and tell us why receiving a scholarship to fund your participation would make a difference for you.
One-page Resumé: Share a current copy of your resume. If you're creating one for the first time, include your educational background and other experiences (internships, volunteer work, on-campus leadership positions, honors, or awards). See our resume guide and sample resumes for more details.
Transcript: Upload your transcript from your current college/university directly into the application. We accept both unofficial and official transcripts! If you have attended multiple institutions, send transcripts for additional schools to info@twc.edu. Please ensure your transcript is organized by semester and includes your name, cumulative GPA and the name of your school. If your social security number is included on your transcript, please conceal it prior to upload.