                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

VIRGINIA STUDENT TRAINING EMPLOYMENT PIPELINE FOR U.S. PROCUREMENT (STEP UP)
PROGRAM ESTABLISHED (§ 22.1-204.3)

The Department, in collaboration with the State Council of Higher Education for
Virginia, shall establish and administer the Virginia Student Training
Employment Pipeline for U.S. Procurement (STEP UP) Program (the Program) for the
purpose of facilitating opportunities for any student enrolled in the eleventh
or twelfth grade at a public high school in the Commonwealth or enrolled at a
comprehensive community college or historically black college or university in
the Commonwealth to enter into an agreement with an entity located in the
relevant local school division or region that has a procurement contract with
the federal government whereby such entity agrees to provide assistance to the
student to obtain, prior to graduation, any federal security clearance at the
public trust or national security level and any other education, training, or
credential that is necessary for the student to be prepared for employment with
such entity upon graduation in exchange for a commitment from the student to
accept and remain in such an employment position for an agreed-upon period of
time after graduation. The Department, in consultation with the Virginia
Community College System and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia,
shall establish such rules, policies, processes, and procedures as it deems
necessary for the proper administration of the Program, including those relating
to the facilitation of participation in the Program by qualifying students and
entities.

HISTORY: 2025, c. 288.