; and (ii) the contractor may be eligible to employ a STEM Corps participant in the final year of the participant’s service obligation in accordance with section 2200p(d). (2) Treatment of contributions Any contribution of funds under subsection (a) shall be credited to the appropriation or account providing the funds to carry out this chapter. Any amount so credited shall be merged with amounts in the appropriation or account to which credited, and shall be available for the same purposes, and subject to the same conditions and limitations, as amounts in such appropriation or account. (b) Agreements with institutions of higher education The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Administrative Agency, shall seek to enter into agreements with institutions of higher education under which the institutions shall agree to such terms and conditions as are necessary to facilitate the participation of students of the institution in the STEM Corps. 2200t. Definitions In this chapter: (1) Cost of attendance The term cost of attendance has the meaning given that term in section 472 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1087ll ). (2) Defense industry partner The term defense industry partner means a qualified defense contractor that has an agreement in effect with the Secretary under section 2200s(a). (3) Defense laboratory The term defense laboratory means a laboratory operated by the Department of Defense or owned by the Department of Defense and operated by a contractor or a facility of a Defense Agency at which research and development activities are conducted. (4) Institution of higher education The term institution of higher education has the meaning given that term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 ). (5) STEM Corps participant The term STEM Corps participant means an individual who— (A) has received, or is receiving, financial assistance under section 2200n