Conference Date: January 19, 2026
Location: Glen Allen, VA

Conference Overview

The 3rd annual Virginia STEM Advocacy Seminar will be held on Monday January 19, 2026. This an opportunity for students to join together in a conference style setting to learn about STEM education legislation in the current General Assembly session. Experts in the working of the General Assembly, STEM education legislation and advocacy, will present sessions on topics to include information on active STEM education bills, how to lead effective meetings with legislators, how legislation passes through the General Assembly to become law and more. After the sessions are over, teams will drive on their own to the Virginia General Assembly at the Capitol to meet with their state legislator offices in the afternoon.

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, January 14, 2025. 
Hours: Check in opens at 8am. Sessions 9 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. (lunch served during the last session.)
Cost: $25 for SASA members and $50 for non-SASA members (The $50 includes the SASA membership).

Materials will be provided. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Agenda

8:00 – 9:00 AM 
Check-in, Breakfast, Networking

9:00 AM
Opening – What to Expect

9:10 AM 
Welcome Keynote

9:25 AM  
General Assembly Overview
How a Bill Becomes a Law, Budget

9:55 AM 
Break and Networking 

10:05 AM
STEM Education Access in Virginia

10:30 AM
STEM Legislation and Funding Asks

10:50 AM
Visiting the Capitol and Meetings, Tips and Tricks
1086 & 5338

11:20 AM
Break and Networking 

11:30 PM – 12:30 PM
Teams Planning Talking Points and Practice (with lunch)

1:00 PM
Teams Head to General Assembly for Meetings