In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Program” means the Maryland Technology Internship Program. “Technology–based business” means a commercial or industrial enterprise, or a nonprofit organization that is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, that is engaged in the application of scientific knowledge to practical purposes in a particular field. “UMBC” means the University of Maryland Baltimore County.

There is a Maryland Technology Internship Program.

The purposes of the Program are to: Connect college and university students, recent graduates, and veterans with small innovative businesses in the high–growth technology sector through internships; Encourage high–achieving students at institutions of higher education in the State to remain in the State after graduation; Increase student understanding of employment opportunities in the State; Create connections between students and community business leaders and entrepreneurs and develop opportunities for student involvement in communities; Assist small technology–based businesses in developing internship programs and recruiting future employees; and Foster business retention and development, job creation, workforce development, and new investment in the State.

UMBC shall administer the Program. To carry out the purposes of the Program, UMBC, in collaboration with the Department of Commerce, shall: Utilize an Internet site through which: Students may learn about technology–based businesses, technology–based positions in units of State and local governments, and internship opportunities; Technology–based businesses may register, post information about internship opportunities, and apply for reimbursement of internship stipends as provided under this subtitle; and Units of State and local governments may register, post information about technology–based internship opportunities, and apply for reimbursement of internship stipends as provided under this subtitle; Develop application and registration requirements; Develop orientation and training programs for participants in the Program; Review applications and award reimbursements of internship stipends under this subtitle; Provide opportunities for students to meet entrepreneurs, visit technology–related industry incubators, and learn about starting a business in the State; Provide recruitment and training opportunities and support for participating businesses and units of State and local government; and Track and assess Program outcomes.

To qualify for participation in the Program, an individual shall: Be a student enrolled at a public or private nonprofit institution of higher education in the State that possesses a certificate of approval from the Commission; and Maintain a cumulative 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale each academic year; Within 12 months before the date of application for the Program, have graduated from a public or private nonprofit institution of higher education in the State that possesses a certificate of approval from the Commission; and Have maintained a cumulative 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale during the latest academic year the individual was enrolled as a student; Be a student enrolled at a public or private nonprofit institution of higher education outside the State, if the student graduated from a high school in the State; and Maintain a cumulative 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale each academic year; or Have been honorably discharged from the uniformed services or a reserve component within 18 months of the date of application; Be a resident of Maryland; and Have graduated from a public or private nonprofit institution of higher education; Commit to working a minimum of 120 hours during a spring, fall, or summer semester; Attend an orientation session provided or approved by UMBC; and Meet any other criteria established by UMBC.

To qualify for participation in the Program, a business shall: Be located in the State; Be a technology–based business; Commit to hosting an intern for a minimum of 120 hours during a spring, fall, or summer semester; Provide a detailed description of an intern position with the business; and Provide proof that a representative has attended an orientation or training program provided or approved by UMBC. To qualify for participation in the Program, a unit of State or local government shall: Commit to hosting an intern for a minimum of 120 hours during a spring, fall, or summer semester; Provide a detailed description of a technology–based intern position with the unit; and Provide proof that a representative has attended an orientation or training program provided or approved by UMBC.

UMBC shall develop a process for tracking and assessing the outcomes of the Program, including: The total number of individuals, businesses, and units of State and local governments participating in the Program; The locations and sizes of participating businesses and units of State and local governments; The number of participating students remaining in the State after graduation; The number of employee hires resulting from internships; The effect of the Program on student understanding of opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses in the State; Student skill growth resulting from internship experiences; Business growth or improvement resulting from internships; and The effect of the Program on relationships between businesses and institutions of higher education in the State. UMBC shall obtain feedback from Program participants: At the conclusion of any orientation or training program; At the conclusion of each internship; and At the following intervals after the conclusion of each internship: 3 months; 6 months; 1 year; 2 years; and 3 years.

Subject to subsections (b) and (c) of this section, money awarded under this subtitle: May be used to reimburse a technology–based business or a unit of State or local government up to 50% of a stipend paid to an intern, but not more than: $1,800 for the first semester; and $1,200 for the second semester; and May total not more than $3,000 each year for each intern. The maximum reimbursement amounts established in subsection (a) of this section may be increased in accordance with changes in employment market conditions as jointly determined by UMBC and the Department of Commerce. At least 50% of the internships supported by the Program each year shall be with businesses that have not more than 150 employees.

The Governor annually shall include funds in the State budget for: The reimbursement of internship stipends under this subtitle; and UMBC to administer the Program.