(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.