Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) Internships
Empowering Students Through Experiential Learning in Cybersecurity Innovation
The CCI Internship Program is a unique opportunity that connects talented students from Virginia’s public universities with cybersecurity startups and innovation-driven companies across the Commonwealth. At its core, this initiative is designed to support two vital missions: helping startups thrive by accessing much-needed talent, and empowering students with meaningful, career-building experiences that extend beyond the classroom.
Virginia’s cybersecurity startups often face a significant challenge. They play a critical role in shaping the future of digital security, but many operate with limited resources, especially in early growth stages. Hiring full-time cybersecurity professionals is not always feasible. Through the CCI Internship Program, these startups gain access to motivated, technically skilled student interns who can actively contribute to their teams, while students receive the kind of hands-on experience that can define a career trajectory.
A Transformative Learning Experience for Students
Participating in a CCI internship is more than a job, it’s an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in high-impact, real-world scenarios. Students are immersed in the dynamic environment of early-stage companies where innovation, agility, and problem-solving are the norm. Whether they’re working on secure coding practices, threat modeling, penetration testing, or compliance initiatives, interns become integrated members of their host startup’s mission.
Beyond technical skill development, students cultivate essential soft skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, and professional communication. These attributes are especially valuable in the startup space, where team members often wear many hats and are encouraged to contribute across disciplines.
The program also nurtures an entrepreneurial mindset. By engaging with founders, engineers, and investors, students gain firsthand insight into what it takes to build and grow a cyber-focused business. This proximity to innovation not only enhances their education but also strengthens their connection to Virginia’s cybersecurity ecosystem—making them more likely to stay and contribute to the local tech economy after graduation.
Building the Commonwealth’s Cyber Talent Pipeline
The CCI Internship Program plays a strategic role in Virginia’s workforce development by bridging the gap between academic training and industry needs. It encourages students to remain in-state after completing their degrees by giving them early access to professional networks, mentors, and startup career pathways.
Each internship is designed with impact in mind. Startups benefit from the fresh perspectives and technical acumen of student interns, while students benefit from engaging with fast-moving, purpose-driven teams working on real cybersecurity challenges. These experiences often lead to continued part-time work, full-time offers, or even co-founding opportunities for students who discover a passion for startup innovation.
Internship Details
CCI internships typically run during the summer or academic year and are open to both undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at Virginia public universities. Most internships are paid and may take place in-person, hybrid, or remotely depending on the startup’s location and needs. Focus areas often include secure software development, ethical hacking, cyber risk analysis, cloud security, secure AI, and more.
Students are matched with companies based on interest, technical background, and project fit. They are also supported throughout the experience by CCI staff and campus coordinators to ensure a high-quality, educational engagement.
Connect and Apply
Students interested in applying for the program should visit cyberinitiative.org for eligibility details, application deadlines, and information sessions. Faculty and advisors are encouraged to refer students who show promise in cybersecurity and innovation.
Staying in Virginia: From Internship to Impact
By embedding students into the fabric of Virginia’s cybersecurity innovation ecosystem, CCI internships help retain top talent within the state. The connections built during these internships (through mentorship, networking, and shared problem-solving) equip students not just for a job, but for a meaningful career in Virginia’s growing cyber economy.
Whether you're a student eager to make an impact or a startup seeking skilled collaborators, the CCI Internship Program is a gateway to growth, innovation, and lasting opportunity.