(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.