Cybersecurity Accelerator Program
Gain professional experience and build networks to launch a career in the cybersecurity industry.
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 March 19 - 22, 2026, 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 200 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)
- 90% agree or strongly agree the program helped them develop plans for their future career.
- 94% agree or strongly agree the program experience was valuable.
- 90% agree or strongly agree the program fostered skills to build a network.
This program was a game-changer for me. It bridged the gap between classroom learning and real-world skills while opening doors to incredible mentors, peers, and industry leaders."
Victor Ofei
2025 Program Participant
The exposure to industry leaders, hands-on learning and connections with professionals across the U.S. gave me clarity and confidence I couldn't get anywhere else."
Kayrene Woods
2025 Program Participant
Scholarship Opportunities Available
Scholarships may be available for eligible students, particularly those demonstrating financial need.
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 March 19 - 22, 2026. 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.
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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 identification (preferably a Real ID, passport or acceptable alternative)
- 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 March 19 - 22, 2026.
- 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, January 28, 2026
Check-In: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Check-Out: Sunday, March 22, 2026
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 contact info@twc.edu for more information.
How to Apply
The application for the 2025 Cybersecurity Accelerator Program has closed. To learn more about next year's program, sign up below.
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.