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
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.
