(a) The Department, in consultation with the Maryland Department of Labor, may approve up to six pilots.
(b) A pilot established under the Program shall:
(1) Operate from a fixed physical location;
(2) Enroll students who:
(i) Are 21 years old or older;
(ii) Do not have a high school diploma; and
(iii) Did not complete the requirements for high school graduation through GED testing or a National External Diploma program;
(3) Enroll a maximum of 350 students;
(4) Offer wraparound services necessary for the adult learner; and
(5) Grant a Maryland high school diploma on completion of the required course of study.
(c) When considering whether to approve a pilot under this section, the Department and the Maryland Department of Labor shall:
(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) Consider geographic diversity in locations for the pilots; and
(3) Approve one pilot in a rural area for each two pilots approved in urban areas.
(d) A pilot established under the Program is not a public school for public financing purposes under Title 5 of this article.