LIFT-VA: Strengthening the Future of Life Sciences Talent in Northern Virginia

Nearly $2.4 million in new funding has been awarded by GO Virginia to the Future Kings, Inc.’s STEM Academy’s Life Sciences Innovation & Future Talent - Virginia (LIFT-VA) program, to help strengthen Northern Virginia’s growing life sciences industry cluster and support the industry’s workforce development pipeline within the region. 

Future Kings, Inc. proposes to launch a new two‑year training program designed to prepare students in Prince William, Manassas City, Manassas Park, and Loudoun for careers in biosciences and biomedical research. LIFT-VA aims to help students build real-life bio skills, gain hands-on exposure, and explore pathways to future-ready careers in biotechnology, STEM, and the life sciences.  

Dr. Arik King, Founder of Future Kings said, “LIFT‑VA is about building a system—not a program—that takes young people from early exposure to real laboratory skills, recognized credentials, and meaningful careers. At Future Kings, we’ve proven that when students are given access, accountability, and industry‑aligned training, they excel. This initiative brings together education, employers, and community partners to create a durable life‑sciences talent pipeline that strengthens Virginia’s workforce and expands opportunity for generations.”

The program seeks to train 340 students over two years, including 280 high school students and 60 college and graduate students. This dual-impact model expands Northern Virginia’s workforce pipeline at multiple levels, teaching college and graduate students to become instructors who in turn train high-school students participating in the program.

“LIFT‑VA exemplifies the kind of collaborative, outcomes‑driven investment that strengthens our regional economy while opening doors for the next generation of talent,” said Lisa Shapiro, Managing Director of GO Virginia’s Northern Region Council. 

LIFT-VA will utilize ACE-accredited coursework, acquired during their 2023 GO Virginia planning grant, hands-on laboratory experience, summer research programs, industry-recognized credentials, and engagement with local employers to prepare students for careers in biosciences and biomedical research.  

“This is an exciting step forward for building a strong, employer-aligned life sciences talent pipeline in Northern Virginia,” said GO Virginia Northern Region Council Member Ellen Grealish. She adds, “I am proud to see GO Virginia supporting innovative, collaborative efforts like this that will have a lasting impact on local workforce development.” 

Key program features of LIFT-VA include:

• Hands-on training in cell culture, genomics, diagnostics, biomanufacturing, quality control, biodefense, and AI applications in life sciences

• Opportunities for high school students to earn 6–18 transferable college credits

• Paid internships, apprenticeships, and guaranteed employer interviews for qualifying participants

• Industry-validated assessments that measure placement readiness, not just course completion

“LIFT-VA will be a great resource for life sciences workforce development throughout Northern Virginia and beyond,” said Dr. Tshaka Cunningham, Future Kings Board Member and Chief Scientific Officer of Athari BioSciences.

LIFT‑VA was shaped in close collaboration with regional life sciences employers, including Athari BioSciences, Virongy Biosciences Inc., Capra BioSciences, American Type Culture Collection (ATCC); educational institutions including George Mason University’s Institute for Biohealth Innovation, Prince William County Public Schools, Manassas City Public Schools, Loudoun County Public Schools, economic development partners including the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development, and other industry partners and community stakeholders like the Virginia Biotechnology Association (Virginia Bio).

"Life-Sciences Innovation & Future Talent - VA (LIFT-VA) represents exactly the kind of integrated workforce pathway our region has long needed; one that starts early, meets students where they are, removes barriers, and connects them directly to real scientific practice and real careers," said Susan Mitchell, CEO & Founder of Athari BioSciences, Founder of Genomic Education Mentors & Scientists (GEMS), and Member of the Future Kings Advisory Board. "Through GEMS and Athari BioSciences, I've seen firsthand what becomes possible when rigorous training, meaningful mentorship, and industry relevance come together in one coordinated pathway. LIFT-VA is built on that foundation, and I'm proud to stand alongside Dr. King and the Future Kings team to deliver a program that doesn't just prepare students for today's bioscience workforce, but positions them to lead, innovate, and define Virginia's life sciences economy for the next generation."

Over the two‑year grant period, LIFT‑VA will deliver:

• 150 verified job placements

• 60 internships and 20 apprenticeships

• 300 industry‑recognized credentials

• An estimated $9.75 million in annual wages entering the regional economy

This grant was awarded by GO Virginia as part of a larger $15.3 million statewide investment in GO Virginia grants, announced by Governor Abigail Spanberger on April 17.  To learn more, read the full press release from the Governor’s Office. 

LIFT-VA is now accepting applications from interested students. Learn more and apply at https://www.lift-va.org/apply.