(a) For purposes of this act, “autism spectrum disorder” shall have the same meaning as defined by the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

(b) The Massachusetts Development Finance Agency and Mount Wachusett Community College shall develop a 3-year pilot program within 90 days of the effective date of this act to prepare individuals on the autism spectrum for careers in advanced technology machinery manufacturing. The pilot program shall be implemented by Mount Wachusett Community College, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, and shall include education and skills training for individuals with autism spectrum disorder relevant to advanced technology machinery manufacturing.

(c) The Massachusetts Development Finance Agency and Mount Wachusett Community College shall annually, not later than July 1, file a report with the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate regarding outcomes for the pilot program, including, but not limited to: (i) total enrollment in the pilot program; (ii) graduation rates for individuals enrolled in the program; (iii) post-graduation employment statistics; (iv) the cost of running the pilot program on annual basis; and (v) the types of education and skills training provided by the pilot program.