Academic Affiliates Program
The Hume Center Academic Affiliates Program (AAP) provides an opportunity for partners to develop relationships with the most promising future leaders in national security technologies. Through an annual gift made payable to the Virginia Tech Foundation, members directly support the education and outreach missions of the Hume Center, and engage in shaping and recruiting the brightest talent for the defense, intelligence, and national security communities
Based on the level of membership, affiliates not only gain access to students engaged in Hume Center programs, but also have an opportunity to engage with faculty and researchers to shape curriculum, drive investments in student research, and engage in workforce development. AAP members have an opportunity to interact with and recruit cleared and clearable students from a wide variety of majors, including electrical and computer engineering, aerospace and ocean engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, mechanical engineering, political science, national security and international studies, and geography.
Graduating More-Prepared Students
Virginia Tech is an Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence (IC CAE) program school and AAP funds support the execution of the National Security Education Program. Activities undertaken educate students and ensure its graduates have a strong awareness of the technical and mission challenges of the national security community. Many will have obtained security clearances through internships or graduate research assistantships.
Tailored Engagement & Strategic Partnership Approach
Rather than a one-size-fits-all model, the Academic Affiliates Program offers tiered engagement opportunities designed to provide meaningful value at every level of partnership. Benefits and participation opportunities vary by membership level, enabling organizations to tailor their involvement based on strategic priorities, recruiting objectives, research interests, and desired campus engagement. At the start of each academic year, we will work collaboratively with each partner to identify the opportunities that will deliver the greatest impact and mutual benefit.
For more information please contact Ehren Hill, Associate Director for Education & Outreach.
Membership Levels
| Membership Levels | Annual Gift Required |
| Small Business Level | $10,000 |
| Principal Level | $20,000 |
| Distinguished Level | $60,000 |
Return on Investment (ROI) Highlights
Direct accessto high-performing students, reducing hiring timelines and strengthening workforce development efforts.
Exposure to novel research and fresh perspectives from interdisciplinary studentand faculty teams.
Engage students before traditional recruiting cycles through seminars, research, and technical activities.
Strengthened relationships with Virginia Tech faculty, research centers, and emerging research initiatives.
Increased campus visibility through sponsored events, communications, and co-branded initiatives.
Ongoing engagement fostering long-term partnerships between industry, students, faculty, and research leadership.
Core Benefits
Tailored Engagement Options Rather than a one-size-fits-all model, we invite companies to select from a flexible menu of benefits. While all options are available to members, we will survey each company at the start of the academic year to identify the benefits they are most interested in, allowing us to focus our delivery on what matters most to them
Principal and Small Business Levels
- Direct outreach capability to Virginia Tech students
- Internship & full-time job promotion directly to students
- Student contact information for recruiting outreach
- Recruitment table at the Annual Research Colloquium
Distinguished Level
- All Principal benefits, plus exclusive access
- Complimentary admission to the Aerospace, Defense, and Intelligence Career Fair
- Host roundtables, networking discussions, or info sessions
- Exclusive Meet & Greet — early access to top students
Principal and Small Business Levels
- Speaker invitation for the Hume Seminar Series
- Social media spotlight campaigns featuring AAP partners
- Branding via sponsored events & digital communications
- Recognition in VTNSI website
Distinguished Level
- All Principal benefits, plus exclusive access
- Guest lectures in ENGE 2634 – Intro to Restricted Research
- Increased campus visibility across student & faculty channels
- Host on-campus information sessions or recruiting events
- Recognition in weekly newsletters
Principal and Small Business Levels
- Support for experiential learning exposing students to real-world challenges
- Mentor or partner on a student research project (1–2 students)
Distinguished Level
- All Principal benefits, plus exclusive access
- Mentor or partner on a student research project (3–4 students)
Principal and Small Business Levels
- Capstone Project (Fall or Spring)
Distinguished Level
- All Principal benefits, plus exclusive access
- Sponsor a graduate student fellowship on a topic of national importance
- Collaborate with NSI research divisions on IRAD & government funding
- Facilitated introductions to faculty, research centers & interdisciplinary teams
Current Distinguished Members
Current Graduate Fellowship Members
Current Principal Members
Current Small Business Members
