; and (ii) a plan that will enable the State to make the certification by not later than 5 years after the date on which the State first received a grant under this subpart. (2) Transfer pathways (A) In general The State shall— (i) submit a plan, developed in collaboration with faculty from institutions of higher education in the State, to improve transfer pathways between institutions of higher education in the State, including by— (I) ensuring that associate degrees awarded by community colleges in the State are fully transferable to, and credited as, the first 2 years of related baccalaureate programs at public institutions of higher education in such State; and (II) ensuring that students attending community colleges in the State have access to comprehensive counseling regarding the process for transferring to a 4-year institution of higher education; and (ii) not later than 3 years after the date on which the State first receives a grant under this subpart, certify to the Secretary that the State is carrying out the plan submitted in accordance with clause (i) and is meeting the requirements of subclauses (I) and (II) of such clause. (B) Failure to certify If a State does not provide the certification required under subparagraph (A) by the date specified in such subparagraph, the State shall submit to the Secretary, at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require— (i) a written explanation for the delay in making the certification