§11–702.

    (a)    In this section, “CTE Committee” means the Career and Technical Education Committee established under § 21–207 of the Education Article.

    (b)    There is a Maryland Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) Program in the Department.

    (c)    The purpose of the Maryland EARN Program is to create industry–led partnerships to advance the skills of the State’s workforce, grow the State’s economy, and increase sustainable employment for working families.

    (d)    The Department, in consultation with the Department of Commerce, the CTE Committee, and the Governor’s Workforce Development Board, shall establish and administer the Maryland EARN Program to provide grants on a competitive basis for:

        (1)    an approved strategic industry partnership for development of a plan consistent with the purpose of the Maryland EARN Program;

        (2)    workforce training programs and other qualified programs that provide industry valued skills training to individuals that result in a credential or identifiable skill consistent with an approved strategic industry partnership plan;

        (3)    job readiness training and skills training that results in a credential or an identifiable skill; and

        (4)    collectively bargained, registered apprenticeships that:

            (i)    are working to incorporate the apprenticeship’s curriculum into high school career and technical education programs;

            (ii)    are working to ensure that community college credits are available for instruction provided by an apprenticeship sponsor; or

            (iii)    offer apprenticeships to high school students.