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.
Held in Washington, D.C. from April 10 - 13, 2025, 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 and critical thinking. Past programs have featured site visits and in-person discussion with leaders from Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), U.S. Department of Defense, United States Cyber Command, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and more.
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.
Cybersecurity Accelerator Program Highlights
Nearly 100 students have participated in TWC's Cybersecurity Accelerator Program to-date, representing the future of cybersecurity professionals, with the backgrounds and perspectives needed to fuel innovation:
Program Impact (Survey Responses)
- 73% strongly agree the program helped them understand the skills needed for entry into the cybersecurity field.
- 76% strongly agree the program experience was valuable.
- 69% strongly agree the program fostered skills to build a network.
Learner Demographics
- 70% were first-generation college students.
- 82% identified as Black or African American.
- 27 participants identified as neuro-divergent or as having a disability.
- 13 Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) represented.
One of the highlights was visiting the Amazon Skills Center, where I was introduced to a variety of positions and certifications that are available for future career growth in Cybersecurity. This experience has shaped my understanding of my career pathway and equipped me with valuable skills and information that will guide me throughout my journey."
Cahmia Dickens
Mount St. Mary’s University
2024 Program Alumni
As I reflect on this surreal experience, I'm reminded of the genuine connections forged and the transformative lessons learned. Beyond mere networking, it's about building meaningful relationships rooted in shared values and aspirations."
David Lamboni
University of Maryland Graduate
2024 Program Alumni.
Scholarship Opportunities Available
You may be eligible to receive a scholarship to cover the full cost of the program and housing at TWC’s Residential and Academic Facility.
To be considered for a scholarship, accepted students meeting residency and other eligibility requirements must commit to attending and fully participating in the Cybersecurity Accelerator Program in Washington, D.C. from April 10 - 13, 2025. Students must also commit to upholding TWC’s Seminar and Short-Term Policies (including the Student Code of Conduct) before and during their program experience.
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 10 - 13, 2025.
- If accepted, commit to upholding TWC’s Seminar and Short-Term Policies (including the Student Code of Conduct) before and during their program experience.
Dates and Deadlines
Application Deadline: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Check-In: Thursday, April 10, 2025
Check-Out: Sunday, April 13, 2025
Program Cost
The program costs $1,095 including housing. A $200 non-refundable deposit is required upon program acceptance to reserve a place in this competitive program. Scholarship opportunities are available for eligible students. Non-housing pricing for commuters is available on a case-by-case basis; please enquire for more information.
How to Apply
Applications for the Cybersecurity Accelerator Program are being accepted now! You’re a simple form away from connecting into a strong future.
When you're ready to get started, click below to create an account (or log in to your existing account) in the application portal. Select Cybersecurity Accelerator Program from the list of available programs in the portal.
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.
Policies
To review policies regarding admissions, billing and refunds, visit the Seminar and Short-Term Policies page.