1. (a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

2. (b) “College partner” means an institution of higher education that:

   1. (1) Has received a certificate of approval from the Commission under Title 11, Subtitle 2 of this article;
   2. (2) Has entered into a memorandum of understanding with a P-TECH school;
   3. (3) Helps to develop and coordinate the pathway sequence; and
   4. (4) Provides student support services to P-TECH students.
3. (c) “Commission” means the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
4. (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.

5. (e) “Industry partner” means an employer that:

   1. (1) Has entered into a memorandum of understanding with a P-TECH school;
   2. (2) Helps develop and coordinate the pathway sequence; and
   3. (3) Provides mentoring and internship opportunities for P-TECH students.

6. (f) “P-TECH school” means a Pathways in Technology Early College High school that:

   1. (1) Is a public secondary school selected by the Department;
   2. (2) Partners with a college partner;
   3. (3) Partners with an industry partner; and
   4. (4) Has executed a memorandum of understanding in accordance with § 7-1802(b)(2) of this subtitle.

7. (g) “P-TECH school costs” means the following costs of operating a P-TECH school and offering and administering a pathway sequence:

   1. (1) Additional staff for the P-TECH school to implement the pathway sequence;
   2. (2) Instructional support services including professional development for staff for the pathway sequence, pathway sequence materials, additional teacher planning, and additional coordination;
   3. (3) Extended day programs;
   4. (4) Student support services including counseling, tutoring, student career exploration, and student events relating to a pathway sequence;
   5. (5) Student textbooks, materials, or technology that a student is required to use as part of the pathway sequence; and
   6. (6) Transportation services.
8. (h) “P-TECH student” means a student enrolled in a P-TECH school.
9. (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.
10. (j) “Program” means the Pathways in Technology Early College High School Program.

Added by Acts 2016, c. 144, § 1, eff. June 1, 2016. Amended by Acts 2017, c. 591, § 1, eff. July 1, 2017; Acts 2023, c. 741, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023; Acts 2023, c. 742, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023.