MEDIA CONTACTS:
GW Media Relations: gwmedia
gwu [dot] edu (gwmedia[at]gwu[dot]edu)
WASHINGTON (August 26 2026) — The George Washington University College of Professional Studies (CPS) and The Washington Center (TWC) have entered into a new partnership designed to expand educational and professional opportunities for emerging leaders in cybersecurity, politics, public affairs, and government.
Through a newly executed agreement, recent participants in The Washington Center’s Cybersecurity Accelerator Program, Inside Washington Seminar, or Academic Internship Program are eligible for a 20% tuition discount on select graduate degree programs offered through GW’s College of Professional Studies and Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM).
Eligible programs include:
- Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Strategy and Information Management
- Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security
- Master of Professional Studies in Political Management
- Master of Professional Studies in Legislative Affairs
- Master of Professional Studies in Public Relations and Communications
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to preparing students and early-career professionals for leadership roles in sectors critical to the nation’s future.
As part of the agreement, CPS will serve as an industry advisor to The Washington Center’s Cybersecurity Accelerator Program, helping ensure the curriculum remains aligned with evolving workforce needs, emerging technologies, and industry best practices. Faculty and industry experts from CPS will provide strategic guidance to strengthen TWC’s program’s continued relevance and impact for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.
The collaboration will also create new opportunities for experiential learning. CPS and GSPM will host participants from The Washington Center’s Cybersecurity Accelerator Program, Inside Washington Seminar, and Academic Internship Program during campus visits, connecting students with faculty experts and practitioners in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, politics, public relations, and related fields.
“Preparing the next generation of cybersecurity leaders requires us to think beyond traditional education,” said Liesl Riddle, dean of the George Washington University College of Professional Studies. “Through our partnership with The Washington Center, we’re creating pathways that connect learning with real-world experience and help build the skilled, adaptable workforce our nation needs.”
"For more than five decades, The Washington Center has provided transformative internships and hands-on experiential learning to bolster future American pipelines of talent,” said Kim Churches, president and CEO of The Washington Center. “We are proud to partner with George Washington University’s College of Professional Studies to help close the gap given the need for talented leaders with the skills employers desire today.”
The Washington Center is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that provides immersive educational experiences bridging academic learning and professional achievement. Through internships, seminars, and career-focused programs, TWC helps students gain the knowledge, skills, and professional networks needed to succeed in today’s workforce.
The George Washington University College of Professional Studies prepares learners for career advancement through innovative degree programs, professional education, and industry partnerships. Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., CPS and GSPM provide students with direct access to policymakers, industry leaders, and practitioners across government, nonprofit, and private-sector organizations.
About the George Washington University College of Professional Studies
The George Washington University College of Professional Studies serves learners across all stages of their educational and professional journeys through graduate degree programs, workforce development initiatives, and lifelong learning opportunities. CPS prepares students to lead and succeed in dynamic industries through innovative curricula, applied learning experiences, and strong connections to employers and industry experts.
About The Washington Center
The Washington Center is the largest independent, nonprofit experiential education organization in Washington, D.C. Through academic internships, seminars, and career development programs, TWC empowers students from diverse backgrounds to transform their careers and become active civic and professional leaders.
#####