(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b) “College partner” means an institution of higher education that:
(1) Has received a certificate of approval from the Commission under Title 11, Subtitle 2 of this article;
(2) Has entered into a memorandum of understanding with a P–TECH school;
(3) Helps to develop and coordinate the pathway sequence; and
(4) Provides student support services to P–TECH students.
(c) “Commission” means the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
(d) “County board” includes a consortium of county boards that have an agreement to operate a P–TECH school that serves the students in the local school systems that are part of the consortium.
(e) “Industry partner” means an employer that:
(1) Has entered into a memorandum of understanding with a P–TECH school;
(2) Helps develop and coordinate the pathway sequence; and
(3) Provides mentoring and internship opportunities for P–TECH students.
(f) “P–TECH school” means a Pathways in Technology Early College High school that:
(1) Is a public secondary school selected by the Department;
(2) Partners with a college partner;
(3) Partners with an industry partner; and
(4) Has executed a memorandum of understanding in accordance with § 7–1802(b)(2) of this subtitle.
(g) “P–TECH school costs” means the following costs of operating a P–TECH school and offering and administering a pathway sequence:
(1) Additional staff for the P–TECH school to implement the pathway sequence;
(2) Instructional support services including professional development for staff for the pathway sequence, pathway sequence materials, additional teacher planning, and additional coordination;
(3) Extended day programs;
(4) Student support services including counseling, tutoring, student career exploration, and student events relating to a pathway sequence;
(5) Student textbooks, materials, or technology that a student is required to use as part of the pathway sequence; and
(6) Transportation services.
(h) “P–TECH student” means a student enrolled in a P–TECH school.
(i) “Pathway sequence” means a curriculum or course of study at a P–TECH school that leads to a high school diploma and an associate’s degree that may be completed within a 6–year time period.
(j) “Program” means the Pathways in Technology Early College High School Program.