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.
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.
Learning from experts across various backgrounds gave me a well-rounded understanding of national security challenges that I am eager to continue to explore throughout my educational journey!”
Phoebe Beckwith
Denison University
2024 Program Alumni
This intensive program provided invaluable insights into the complexities of national security, allowing me to engage with industry experts, thought leaders, and peers. I look forward to applying this knowledge and contributing to meaningful solutions in the field.”
Tamila Urumbaeva
University of Maryland Global Campus
2024 Program Alumni
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 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
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.
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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.
- If accepted, commit to attending and fully participating in the National Security Seminar in Washington, D.C. from May 13 - 21, 2025.
- 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 Cost
The cost of this seminar is $2,295 which includes housing. A $200 deposit is required upon acceptance. 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.
Full and partial 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 National Security Seminar in Washington, D.C. from May 13 - 21, 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.
Dates and Deadlines
This seminar will be held May 13 - 21, 2025, but no TWC programming will take place over the weekend! You'll be free to explore D.C.
- Check-In: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
- Check-Out: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
How to Apply
The application for the National Security 2025 seminar has closed. To learn more about next year's seminar, 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 and share your goals for the experience. If you believe you are eligible for state funding, please 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 an official copy of your transcript from your current college/university directly into the application. Please ensure your transcript includes (a) your name, (b) your school’s name, (c) your cumulative GPA and (d) shows your current courses, if you are currently enrolled. If your social security number is included on your transcript, please conceal it prior to upload. If you have attended multiple institutions, send transcripts for additional schools to info@twc.edu. We’ll use your transcript to verify your enrollment and scholarship eligibility, if applicable.
Policies
To review policies regarding admissions, billing and refunds, visit the Seminar and Short-Term Policies page.