(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.Added by 2017 Md. Laws, Ch. 609,Sec. 1, eff. 7/1/2017.Added by 2017 Md. Laws, Ch. 608,Sec. 1, eff. 7/1/2017.