Powered by Partnership. Built For Impact.
LIFT-VA is made possible through the collaborative support of:
WHY LIFT-VA MATTERS
Virginia’s life sciences economy is growing rapidly — but the talent pipeline has not kept pace.
LIFT-VA was created to help close that gap by giving students and emerging professionals access to the kinds of opportunities that often feel out of reach: hands-on laboratory exposure, career-connected learning, mentorship, workforce development, and a clearer path into the future of science.
This is more than a program. It is a pathway.
WHO LIFT-VA IS FOR
Built for Every Stage of the Journey
Whether you are exploring your future, helping a student prepare for what’s next, or building the workforce your organization needs, LIFT-VA was designed with you in mind.
College/University Students
Discover opportunities to build real skills, gain hands-on experience, and explore what a future in life sciences could look like for you.
Cohort Instructor
We Empower emerging scientists, educators, and professionals to lead hands-on training experiences and help scale workforce development across Virginia.
Grade 6-12 Students
Help your student access future-focused experiences that build confidence, expand opportunity, and open doors to college and career pathways.
For Partners
LIFT-VA welcomes engagement from organizations that want to help strengthen the future life sciences workforce.
HOW LIFT-VA WORKS
A Clear Pathway from Exposure to Career Launch
LIFT-VA is designed to support students and future professionals at multiple stages of development; from early exposure to workforce readiness.
5-PHASE PATHWAY
Exposure
Students begin building curiosity, confidence, and awareness around STEMM and life sciences.
Hands-on STEM demonstrations, field trips to Athari BioSciences' BSL-2 laboratory, mentorship, and family engagement events.
Experience
Participants gain deeper exposure to scientific concepts, tools, and career pathways.
Monthly Saturday laboratory sessions, job shadowing, project-based learning, college and career planning.
Excellence
Learners strengthen technical, academic, and professional skills through immersive training.
Intensive research apprenticeships industry certifications, dual enrollment coursework, college application support.
College Success
Participants continue building readiness, mentorship connections, and next-step opportunities.
Monthly check-ins, academic coaching, networking, and career planning for program graduates in college. Students connected to LIFT-VA achieve 85% STEM completion vs. 60% nationally.
Career Launch
LIFT-VA helps participants move toward internships, workforce opportunities, and long-term career pathways.
Direct employment opportunities, job placement assistance, alumni network, and the chance to become a mentor for the next generation.
For Employers
Partner with LIFT-VA to support workforce development, connect with emerging talent, and help shape the next generation of life sciences professionals.
WHAT YOU GAIN THROUGH LIFT-VA
LIFT-VA is designed to help participants build more than knowledge — it helps them build momentum.
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Hands-on learning experiences
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Exposure to life sciences careers
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Scientific and technical skill-building
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Mentorship and professional development
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Career-connected pathway guidance
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Confidence, belonging, and future readiness
WHERE LEARNING MEETS OPPORTUNITY
LIFT-VA helps bridge the gap between education and workforce opportunity by connecting participants to the skills, experiences, and environments shaping the future of science.
Participants gain exposure to areas such as:
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Biotechnology
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Diagnostics
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Biomedical research
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AI in life sciences
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Laboratory readiness
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Workforce professionalism
OUR IMPACT AT A GLANCE*
*Based on collaborative past performance
80%
of LIFT-VA graduates secure biotechnology positions
$75K
average starting salary for top graduates
6-18
ACE-accredited college credits can be earned
40-60%
reduction in new hire onboarding time
$10K
saved by hiring a job-ready biotech graduate
2026 LIFT-VA Program Cohorts
Applications are now open for upcoming LIFT-VA participant pathways.
College/University Participants
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Applications Open:
July 29 – August 20 -
Selections:
August 21 -
Notifications:
August 21 - 31 -
Program Instruction:
September 21 - November 21
Saturday In-person Lab Morning Session
9:00am-Noon or
Afternoon Session
11:30am-2:30pm -
and
One Weekday Virtual Session
Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday
6:00pm-8:00pm
Grade 6-12 Participants
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Applications Open:
July 29 – August 20 -
Selections:
August 21 -
Notifications:
August 21 - 31 -
Program Instruction:
September 21 - November 21
Saturday In-person Lab Morning Session
9:00am-Noon or
Afternoon Session
11:30am-2:30pm -
and
One Weekday Virtual Session
Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday
6:00pm-8:00pm
