; or (vii) is in recovery from a substance use disorder. (2) Regional economic development entity The term regional economic development entity means an entity working to promote economic development in, or employing residents of, a rural area, which may include local boards (as defined in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), Chambers of Commerce, and employers in the rural region covered by the grant. (3) Rural area The term rural area means an area that is defined, identified, or otherwise recognized as rural by a governmental agency of the State in which the area is located. (4) Rural serving institution of higher education The term rural serving institution of higher education means an institution of higher education that serves rural areas. (c) Eligible Partnership (1) Eligible partnership A partnership eligible to apply for a grant and carry out activities under this section (referred to in this section as an eligible partnership ) shall include partners representing not less than 3 of the following types of organizations: (A) A local educational agency or educational service agency (as such term is defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965) serving a rural area. (B) An institution of higher education. (C) A regional economic development entity. (D) A rural community-serving organization, including a philanthropy, with demonstrated success supporting rural students in accessing higher education and attaining 2-year or 4-year degrees, including supporting students articulating from a 2-year to a 4-year college. (2) Optional partners Other organizations serving rural students, families, or communities, including agencies of Tribal, State, or local government, community action agencies, or other non-governmental agencies, and local elected officials may participate in the eligible partnership as optional partners. (3) Lead applicant Any required partner in an eligible partnership described in paragraph (1) may be designated by the eligible partnership