Level Up Virginia Initiatives

Level Up Virginia (LUV) aims to promote equity and access in postsecondary education. That is why our statewide initiatives are dedicated to empowering both educators and access providers while creating opportunities for underrepresented student populations to thrive. Through innovative professional development programs and targeted support, we're working to break down barriers and forging a brighter future for all Virginians.

Professional Development for Educators and Access Providers

Level Up Virginia (LUV) is committed to equipping educators with the knowledge and resources they need to support underrepresented students on their journey to higher education.

Financial Aid Webinars: Our webinars cover key aspects of financial aid, including:

• Creating an FSA ID- Watch webinar recording!
• CSS Profile- Watch part 1 and part 2 of the webinar recording!
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)- Watch part 1 and part 2 of the webinar recording!
• Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) Application- Watch webinar recording!

These webinars provide valuable insights and guidance to help educators assist their students in navigating the financial aid process effectively.

Middle School Campus Visit Project:

Level Up Virginia, in partnership with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), is excited to introduce the Middle School Campus Visit Project. This initiative aims to promote high school graduation, college enrollment and degree attainment among underrepresented and underserved youth while fostering a sense of college readiness among middle school students (grades 6-8) from low-income communities.

 Partner with Us! We invite colleagues from Virginia's two and four-year institutions to join us as partners in this project each year. By becoming a partner, you can actively contribute to increasing educational opportunities for these deserving students. Award requests for the 2023-2024 academic year range between $5,000 and $15,000. This funding will support the implementation of the Middle School Campus Visit Project and help create meaningful experiences for middle school students.

•  Middle School Campus Visit One-Pager: View our one-pager for information and data on the project.
• Technical Assistance: Access valuable resources, including the recording and slides (link) from a technical assistance webinar, to guide you through the project's requirements and expectations.
• Match and In-Kind Documentation: Download our template for match and in-kind documentation.
• Free and Reduced Priced Lunch Report: Use the VDOE's Free and Reduced-Priced Lunch Report to identify and reach out to students from low-income communities who can benefit from this initiative.