§24–1303.    IN EFFECT

    // EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2028 PER CHAPTER 677 OF 2021 //

    (a)    (1)    Each Pilot Program shall have an individualized plan designed to prepare the incarcerated individual for success on release.

        (2)    The individualized plan shall specify a professor or other staff member at the institution of postsecondary education who shall serve as the primary contact responsible for each incarcerated individual’s participation and education in the Pilot Program.

        (3)    (i)    The primary contact shall select at least three students to serve as Pilot Program mentors who are:

                1.    At least 18 years old;

                2.    Enrolled in the institution of postsecondary education; and

                3.    If a Pilot Program is located at a 4–year institution of postsecondary education, enrolled in their junior or senior year.

            (ii)    A student who participates in the Pilot Program shall receive course credit and a small stipend from the Pilot Program.

        (4)    To ensure that the incarcerated individual receives the support necessary to succeed, the primary contact shall meet with the incarcerated individual regularly during the incarcerated individual’s participation in the Pilot Program.

        (5)    The primary contact shall work with the Division to ensure that the timing of course participation and Pilot Program meetings works with an incarcerated individual’s schedule.

    (b)    Each governing entity shall ensure that an incarcerated individual participating in the Pilot Program is enrolled in a course or courses that:

        (1)    Are credit bearing and may contribute to course graduation requirements for an institution of postsecondary education; or

        (2)    Either in isolation or as part of a series of courses, lead to an industry–recognized certificate or license.

    (c)    Courses provided under this section shall be:

        (1)    Provided through a suitable format as indicated by the Pilot Program in consultation with the Commission, the Division, and the applicable institution of postsecondary education, whether virtual or nonvirtual; and

        (2)    Subject to regulations adopted by the Commissioner of Correction under § 3–611 of the Correctional Services Article.

    (d)    The Division shall:

        (1)    Ensure that courses and instruction are provided in a suitable manner as indicated by the Pilot Program in consultation with the Commission, the Division, and the applicable institution of postsecondary education, whether virtual or nonvirtual;

        (2)    Create a safe and reasonable process, whether virtually or in person, by which to confer a degree to an incarcerated individual who is still incarcerated and who completes the requirements for a degree as part of the Pilot Program; and

        (3)    On or before June 1, 2022, create a process and system in coordination with the Commission to develop a hybrid virtual and in–person learning environment in the Division’s statewide system.