A Stronger Future Starts with the Right Opportunities
LIFT-VA helps students explore science, build confidence, and access future-focused pathways in life sciences, STEMM, and workforce readiness.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
LIFT-VA was created to help students access meaningful opportunities that prepare them for the future — not just academically, but personally and professionally.
All student activity is conducted under the supervision of qualified scientists in a CLIA-certified, BSL-2 laboratory with full safety protocols, protective equipment, and trained oversight.
Sessions run approximately 3 hours and include hands-on experiments, instruction from graduate student mentors, and guided reflection. Students build portfolios of their work throughout the year.
There is no cost to participate. LIFT-VA is funded by GO Virginia and partner contributions.
WHAT YOUR STUDENT WILL GAIN
Through LIFT-VA, students will gain access to:
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Real Laboratory Experience: Not a classroom simulation. Your child will work inside Athari BioSciences' BSL-2, CLIA-certified laboratory, the same environment used by professional biomedical researchers.
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A Portfolio of Real Work: Your student will document their projects, lab results, and reflections throughout the program. They leave with proof of work they can show to colleges, scholarship reviewers, and future employers.
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College Credits That Count: Students can earn 6-18 American Council on Education (ACE)-accredited, transferable college credits before they graduate high school.
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Apprenticeships: High school seniors and college students may be invited to participate in paid research apprenticeships with employer partners.
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Mentorship from Working Scientists: Your child will be guided by college and graduate student instructors, the Chief Science Officer, and a network of industry professionals.
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College Application Support: Program mentors provide essay coaching, recommendation letters, and scholarship identification for college-bound students.
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A Head Start in Life: Students who stay connected to LIFT-VA through college achieve an 85% STEMM major completion rate — compared to the 60% national average.
WHO CAN APPLY
LIFT-VA welcomes students in grades 6–12 who are curious about science, technology, and healthcare. No prior laboratory experience is required. Students should be able to commit to the full eight-week cohort schedule: a 3 hour Saturday lab and one virtual 2 hour weekday class.
2026 FALL COHORT INFORMATION
Timeline
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Applications Open: July 29 – August 14
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Candidate Selection: August 15 - August 20
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Notification / Acceptance: August 21 - August 31
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Program Instruction: September 21 - November 21
Program schedule: The fall cohort is your student's entry point into the LIFT-VA pathway. Students who complete the fall program (3 hour in-person Saturday Lab and one 2 hour virtual weekday session, over eight weeks) and demonstrate commitment are invited to continue into the Experience and Excellence phases during the following school year. This is not a one-time event. It is the beginning of a multi-year connection to science, mentorship, and career preparation.
