As used in this section and Kan. Stat. Ann. 2023 Supp. 74-50,236, and amendments thereto:

(a) “Eligible institution of higher education” means:

(1) (A) A state educational institution as defined in Kan. Stat. Ann. § 76-711, and amendments thereto; or

(B) any private, independent college with its primary location in Kansas that is a member of the Kansas independent college association as of July 1, 2023; and

(2) that has an engineering program accredited by the accreditation board for engineering and technology.

(b) “Engineering program” or “accredited engineering program” means an engineering program accredited by the accreditation board for engineering and technology and includes, but is not limited to, a program in computer engineering or computer science.

(c) “Qualified eligible institution of higher education” means an eligible institution of higher education that has certified to the secretary that, in the immediately preceding academic year, at least the following number of students have graduated with baccalaureate degrees from an engineering program or programs with respect to each institution:

(1) Kansas state university, 586 graduates;

(2) university of Kansas, 419 graduates;

(3) Wichita state university, 360 graduates;

(4) any other state educational institution as defined in Kan. Stat. Ann. § 76-711, and amendments thereto, with an accredited engineering program, one or more graduates; and

(5) private, independent colleges, one or more graduates.

(d) “Secretary” means the secretary of commerce.