; and (B) not fewer than 18 and not more than 30 eligible employees of private-sector entities to receive a fellowship under this section. (2) To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall select eligible employees under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) from among eligible employees who are veterans in a manner that is reflective of the demographics of the veteran population of the United States and that whenever practicable provides a preference to such employees who represent or service rural areas. (d) Eligible employees For the purposes of this section, an eligible employee is— (1) with respect to an employee of the Veterans Benefits Administration or the Veterans Health Administration, an employee who— (A) is compensated at a rate of basic pay not less than the minimum rate of basic pay payable for grade GS–14 of the General Schedule and not more than either the minimum rate of basic pay payable to a member of the Senior Executive Service under section 5382 of title 5, United States Code, or the minimum rate of basic pay payable pursuant to chapter 74 of this title, as the case may be; (B) enters into an agreement with the Secretary under subsection (e); and (C) submits to the Secretary an application containing such information and assurances as the Secretary may require; and (2) with respect to an employee of a private-sector entity, an employee who— (A) is employed in a position whose duties and responsibilities are commensurate with an employee of the Department described in paragraph (1); (B) enters into an agreement with the Secretary under subsection (e); and (C) submits to the Secretary an application containing such information and assurances as the Secretary may require. (e) Agreements (1) An agreement between the Secretary and a Department participant shall be in writing, shall be signed by the participant, and shall include the following provisions: (A) The Secretary’s agreement to provide the participant with a fellowship under this section