Terms of Use

WELCOME TO LIFT-VA
Please read these Terms of Use carefully before using the LIFT-VA website or submitting any application. By accessing or using this website, you agree to be bound by these terms. If you do not agree, please do not use this site.

These Terms of Use govern your access to and use of the LIFT-VA website and all associated application forms, content, and services. LIFT-VA is operated as a collaborative program of Future Kings, Inc., Athari BioSciences, Inc., and GEMS (Genomic Education Mentors & Scientists). References to "LIFT-VA," "we," "us," or "our" refer to the collaborative and its member organizations.

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1. USE OF THIS WEBSITE 
You may use the LIFT-VA website for lawful purposes only and in a manner consistent with these Terms of Use. You agree not to:

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• Use the website in any way that violates applicable federal, state, or local law or regulation

• Submit false, misleading, or fraudulent information in any application or contact form

• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the website or its underlying systems

• Use automated tools, bots, or scrapers to collect information from the website

• Upload or transmit any malicious code, virus, or harmful content

• Impersonate any person or organization, including LIFT-VA staff, partner organizations, or program participants

• Use the website or its content for commercial purposes without prior written consent from LIFT-VA

 

We reserve the right to terminate or restrict access to the website for any user who violates these terms.

 

2. APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS
The LIFT-VA website contains four application forms: the Instructor Application, College Student Application, Secondary Student Application, and Partner/Employer Application. By submitting any application, you acknowledge and agree that:

Accuracy of Information
All information submitted in your application is true, accurate, complete, and current to the best of your knowledge. Submission of false or misleading information may result in disqualification from the program, revocation of any offer of participation, and removal from the program if already enrolled.

No Guarantee of Admission
Submission of an application does not guarantee admission to the LIFT-VA program. Admissions decisions are made at the sole discretion of the LIFT-VA collaborative based on program criteria, cohort capacity, and applicant qualifications. All decisions are final.

Rolling Admissions and Future Cohorts
Applications submitted after a cohort deadline may be held for consideration for a future cohort at LIFT-VA's discretion. Applicants will be notified if their application is carried forward.

Communication Consent
By submitting an application or contact form, you consent to being contacted by LIFT-VA and its partner organizations via the email address and/or phone number you provide, for purposes related to your application and program participation.

Parental Consent for Minors
Applications submitted on behalf of students under the age of 18 must be completed with the involvement and consent of a parent or legal guardian. By submitting a secondary school application, the parent or guardian certifies that they have reviewed and authorized the submission.

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3. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
All content on the LIFT-VA website — including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, curriculum descriptions, program materials, and the LIFT-VA name and brand — is the property of LIFT-VA and its member organizations (Future Kings, Inc., Athari BioSciences, Inc., and GEMS) and is protected by applicable copyright, trademark, and intellectual property laws.

 

You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, publicly display, or create derivative works from any content on this website without prior written permission from LIFT-VA.

 

The names, logos, and marks of partner organizations featured on this website — including ATCC, Virongy Biosciences, Capra BioSciences, Virginia Bio, NVDCA, Loudoun County Public Schools, and Prince William County Public Schools — remain the property of their respective owners and are used with permission.

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4. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES
The LIFT-VA website and all content on it are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis without warranties of any kind, express or implied. LIFT-VA makes no warranty that:

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• The website will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses or harmful components

• The information on the website is complete, accurate, or current at all times

• Application submissions will be received or processed without interruption

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We recommend that applicants retain a copy of all application materials submitted.

 

5. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
To the fullest extent permitted by law, LIFT-VA and its member organizations — Future Kings, Inc., Athari BioSciences, Inc., and GEMS — shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising out of or related to your use of this website, including but not limited to:

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• Loss of data or application materials

• Errors or omissions in website content

• Unauthorized access to personal information despite reasonable security measures

• Decisions made in reliance on information provided on this website

6. PROGRAM PARTICIPATION TERMS
Admission to the LIFT-VA program is subject to additional terms communicated to participants upon acceptance, including but not limited to:

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• Attendance and commitment requirements specific to your program track

• Background check and health screening requirements

• Confidentiality of proprietary laboratory procedures and curriculum materials

• Behavioral standards consistent with a professional scientific environment

• Terms governing stipend disbursement for eligible participants

 

Violation of program participation terms may result in removal from the program.

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7. EXTERNAL LINKS
This website may contain links to third-party websites for informational purposes. LIFT-VA does not control, endorse, or assume responsibility for the content, privacy practices, or accuracy of any external website. Accessing third-party links is at your own risk.

 

8. GOVERNING LAW
These Terms of Use are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any disputes arising from the use of this website shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Loudoun County, Virginia.

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9. CHANGES TO THESE TERMS
We reserve the right to update these Terms of Use at any time. Changes will be posted to this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the website following any update constitutes acceptance of the revised terms. We encourage you to review this page periodically.

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10. CONTACT US
Questions about these Terms of Use may be directed to:

Sonora Jackson
VP Communications & Outreach

LIFT-VA / Athari BioSciences / GEMS
sjackson@athari.bio
703.864.9423
45925 Horseshoe Drive, Suite 170

Sterling, VA 20166