As used in this part, the following definitions apply:

(a) “Four-year higher education institution” means a four-year baccalaureate degree program offered at the University of California, the California State University, or an independent institution of higher education, as defined in Section 66010.

(b) “MESA programs” means Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement programs established at community colleges to help underserved and underrepresented students majoring in calculus-based science, technology, engineering, and mathematics academic fields who seek to transfer to four-year higher education institutions.

(c) “STEM majors” means calculus-based science, technology, engineering, and mathematics academic fields.

(Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 872, Sec. 1. (SB 444) Effective January 1, 2024.)