; (3) providing students and other candidates for employment with the opportunity to gain necessary skills and certifications for skilled, semiskilled, and highly skilled energy and manufacturing-related jobs; and (4) strengthening and more fully engaging programs of the Department and the National Laboratories in carrying out the Minorities in Energy Initiative of the Department. (b) Priority The Secretary shall make providing education and training underrepresented groups for energy and manufacturing-related jobs a national priority under the program. (c) Direct assistance (1) In general In carrying out the program, the Secretary shall provide direct assistance (including financial assistance awards, technical expertise, mentorships, internships, and partnerships) to secondary schools, community colleges, workforce development organizations, nonprofit organizations, labor organizations, apprenticeship programs, tribal colleges and universities, and minority-serving institutions. (2) Distribution The Secretary shall distribute direct assistance under the program in a manner proportional to the needs and demand for jobs in the energy- and manufacturing-related industry, consistent with information obtained under subsections (e)(1)(C) and (i). (d) Clearinghouse In carrying out the program, the Secretary shall establish a clearinghouse— (1) to maintain and update information and resources on training and workforce development programs for energy- and manufacturing-related jobs