National Security Seminar
Explore the protection of U.S. interests at home, abroad and online.
Spend a week in Washington, D.C. with college students from across the country and dive into the national security challenges facing the world today. You’ll interact with experts and public figures, go behind the scenes of organizations throughout the city, discover new career paths and come away with a competitive advantage.
Eligibility
To be eligible to participate in this seminar, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program. Recent graduates may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Be in good standing at your college or university.
- Maintain a GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Students with lower GPAs may be considered.
- Get approval from your campus liaison or a faculty sponsor.*
- Commit to fully participate in the program and complete all assignments.
*If you need help identifying your campus liaison or faculty sponsor, email info@twc.edu.
Seminar Components
Plenary Sessions
These morning sessions, attended by all participants, will feature some of the most distinguished speakers and public national security experts in Washington, D.C. Some of our past speakers include program manager at the Department of Homeland Security, Dr. Dan Massey and former CIA Director, John Brennan.
Educational Briefings
We'll help you explore Washington, D.C., taking you into government agencies, think tanks, media outlets and more. You'll get a behind the scenes looks at how our nation’s capital works. Examples of past educational briefings include the Metropolitan Police Department Homeland Security Bureau, Department of Energy Insider Threat Program and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
Small Group Discussions
Faculty leaders lead discussion groups that allow for candid give-and-take discussions to help you digest the information you've heard throughout the day. We encourage respectful debate and foster an open environment where you can confidently express your thoughts without fear.
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Seminar Cost
The cost of this seminar is $1,795 which includes complimentary housing. Many students participate as part of a group with their home institutions, so billing arrangements vary from school to school.
If you are participating as part of a group, you will need to confirm your actual cost of attendance with your campus liaison or faculty sponsor. If you aren’t sure who to contact, email us at info@twc.edu.
Housing and Living
During this seminar, you'll be living in NoMa, one of the coolest and 'most connected' neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. You'll be in the middle of it all with easy access wherever you need to go.
Want to learn all about TWC housing, the community and the neighborhood? Check out our Housing page below.
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
As you are packing, please be aware that linens will be provided for seminar participants. The linen package includes a bath towel, hand towel, wash cloth, sheets, a blanket and pillow. If you tend to get cold at night, we encourage you to bring an extra blanket. Please be prepared to pack the following:
- personal toiletries
- government-issued ID card
- small folding umbrella
- business professional attire for academic sessions and site visits
- casual attire for evenings and weekends
- notebook and pens
- clothes hangers
Housing Services
We give you your space, but we don't leave you totally on your own. Our housing services team and alumni mentors make sure you have the support you need, any time day or night. And our disability services staff ensures that every student has the tools they need to live comfortably, complete assignments and succeed in their work.
Academic Credit
Our academic seminars are designed to qualify for academic credit at many colleges and universities. However, we do not grant academic credit. If you are participating in a group from your university, please consult with your campus liaison or faculty advisor about your particular credit arrangements. If you need help identifying your campus liaison or faculty advisor, please contact info@twc.edu.
Dates and Deadlines
- Seminar Dates: This seminar will be held May 16-24, 2023, but no TWC programming will take place over the weekend! You'll be free to explore D.C.
- Check-In: Tuesday, May 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Check-Out: Wednesday, May 24 before noon
- Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 29, 2023
How to Apply
Login to The Washington Center's application portal below and apply for the National Security Seminar!
Not quite ready to apply? Sign up to below to receive information about this seminar and other programs.
Seminar Faculty
Faculty members have the opportunity to lead their students through a transformational and once-in-a-lifetime learning experience by applying to be a faculty leader. Throughout the academic seminar, faculty leaders work with a group of 10 to 20 students as they participate in program activities. During the academic seminar, faculty leaders will:
- Attend all program sessions
- Meet with students for group discussion and instruction
- Facilitate or moderate virtual educational briefings with speakers from embassies, think tanks and other organizations in D.C.
- Read students’ written work and evaluate their academic and professional performance
- Recommend a grade for each student at the end of the program
Faculty members from institutions who send ten or more students to a given academic seminar are automatically selected to lead their students. If you are interested in applying to be a faculty leader, fill out this form for more information.
Policies
To review policies regarding admissions, billing and refunds, visit the Seminar and Short-Term Policies page.