(1) “Community education council” or “CEC.” A nonprofit educational organization, governed by a community-based board of directors, which serves to provide access to postsecondary education and training resources for citizens in educationally underserved areas of this Commonwealth.

(2) “Direct cost.” The cost of operation, including, but not limited to, personnel, rent, utilities, insurance, supplies, equipment and technology needs, staff development, marketing, maintenance and instructional services.

(3) “Educationally underserved area.” An area designated by the Secretary of Education of the Commonwealth as an adult education, continuing education and/or postsecondary education shortage area using criteria which take into account special barriers to the provision of education services.

(4) “Institutionally neutral.” Having no exclusive legal affiliation with any provider of postsecondary education or a branch campus, branch location or outreach center of a provider of postsecondary education. This term shall apply to all community education councils and foundations established after June 30, 1999.

(5) “Postsecondary education resources.” The term includes, but is not limited to, area career and technical schools, degree-granting institutions of higher education accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Federal Government, institutions licensed under the act of December 15, 1986 (P.L. 1585, No. 174),¹ known as the “Private Licensed Schools Act,” professional, career and technical or occupational certification or licensure programs and educational technology.

(6) “Secretary.” The Secretary of Education of the Commonwealth.