; (B) applications that demonstrate current and future workforce demand in occupations directly related to the proposed associate degree or certificate program; (C) applications that include commitments by the partnering employers or employer consortia to offer apprenticeships, internships, or other applied learning opportunities to students enrolled in the proposed associate degree program; and (D) applications that include outreach plans and goals for recruiting and enrolling women and other historically underrepresented individuals in STEM studies and careers in the proposed associate degree program. (d) Grants for STEM degree applied learning opportunities (1) In general The Director shall award competitive grants to universities partnering with employers or employer consortia that commit to offering apprenticeships, internships, research opportunities, or applied learning experiences to enrolled university students in identified 4-year STEM degree programs. (2) Application In considering applications for grants under paragraph (1), the Director shall consider— (A) applicants that consist of a partnership between— (i) the applying university; and (ii) individual employers or an employer consortia; (B) applications that demonstrate current and future workforce demand in occupations directly related to selected STEM fields; and (C) applications that include outreach plans and goals for recruiting and enrolling women and other populations historically underrepresented in STEM. (e) Grants for computer-Based and online STEM education courses (1) In general The Director shall award competitive grants to institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations to conduct research on student outcomes and determine best practices and scalability of computer-based and online courses for technical skills training. (2) Research areas The research areas eligible for funding under this subsection may include— (A) postsecondary courses for technical training for STEM occupations