Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Title 22.1 a chapter numbered 28, consisting of sections numbered 22.1-381, 22.1-382, and 22.1-383, as follows:

§22.1-381. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Computing" means computer science, computational thinking, and computer coding.

"STEM+C" means science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computing.

"STEM+C competition team" means an extracurricular team-building activity that has a primary objective of engaging students in STEM+C-related activities and may include participating in project-based team competitions.

§22.1-382. STEM+C Competition Team Grant Program created; purpose.

The STEM+C Competition Team Grant Program is established to encourage interest in STEM+C-related subject areas and support STEM+C extracurricular team-building activities in public schools in the Commonwealth by providing grants for use in establishing or supporting STEM+C competition teams.

§22.1-383. Board to develop and issue grant guidelines; application; administration.

The Board shall develop and issue guidelines for the general requirements of qualifying for a grant and shall develop the grant application form. Such guidelines shall be exempt from the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§2.2-4000 et seq.).