1. (a) The Department, in consultation with the Maryland Department of Labor, may approve up to six pilots.

2. (b) A pilot established under the Program shall:

   1. (1) Operate from a fixed physical location;

   2. (2) Enroll students who:

      1. (i) Are 21 years old or older;
      2. (ii) Do not have a high school diploma; and
      3. (iii) Did not complete the requirements for high school graduation through GED testing or a National External Diploma program;
   3. (3) Enroll a maximum of 350 students;
   4. (4) Offer wraparound services necessary for the adult learner; and
   5. (5) Grant a Maryland high school diploma on completion of the required course of study.

3. (c) When considering whether to approve a pilot under this section, the Department and the Maryland Department of Labor shall:

   1. (1) Give priority to a pilot located in a county or geographic area located within a county that has a high school attainment rate that is lower than the State average high school attainment rate;
   2. (2) Consider geographic diversity in locations for the pilots; and
   3. (3) Approve one pilot in a rural area for each two pilots approved in urban areas.
4. (d) A pilot established under the Program is not a public school for public financing purposes under Title 5 of this article.

Added by Acts 2017, c. 608, § 1, eff. July 1, 2017; Acts 2017, c. 609, § 1, eff. July 1, 2017. Amended by Acts 2019, c. 8, § 5.