STEM+C competition team grants; DOE to consider changes to application and eligibility guidelines.

The deadline for action changed from a fixed date of July 15, 2026, to a requirement to act before the 2026 application period begins.

New guidelines were added to explicitly allow grants for establishing new STEM+C competition teams or supporting existing ones.

A new priority rule was established: if grant applications exceed available funds, new teams with demonstrated financial need receive priority over existing teams.

The requirement for the Virginia STEM Education Advisory Board to make recommendations to the Board of Education was removed.

The Department of Education's direct authority to modify grant guidelines was removed and replaced with a requirement for the Virginia STEM Education Advisory Board to submit recommendations to the Board of Education.

A specific deadline was added requiring the Advisory Board to submit its recommendations no later than July 15, 2026.

The specific policy priority of giving grants to new teams with demonstrated financial need was removed from the bill text and replaced with a broader mandate for the Board to clarify eligibility for new, existing, and renewed teams.

Clarified that grants may be awarded to establish new STEM+C competition teams or support existing ones, reinforcing the program's dual purpose.

Established a priority rule stating that if grant applications exceed available funds, applications for new teams with demonstrated financial need must be prioritized.

Changed the legislative approach from permanently amending state code to instructing the Department of Education to consider specific changes to its grant guidelines.