; (IX) integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, including computer science education, with career and technical education; (X) support innovative approaches to career and technical education by redesigning the high school experience for students, which may include evidence-based transitional support strategies for students who have not met postsecondary education eligibility requirements; (XI) improve career and technical education concentrator employment outcomes in nontraditional fields; or (XII) support the use of career and technical education programs and career and technical programs of study in a coordinated strategy to address identified employer needs and workforce shortages, such as shortages in the early childhood, elementary school, and secondary school education workforce; and (ii) rigorously evaluate such innovations. (B) Matching funds (i) Matching funds required Except as provided under clause (ii), to receive a grant under this paragraph, an eligible entity shall demonstrate that matching funds will be provided, through cash or in-kind contributions, from public or private sources in an amount equal to not less than 25 percent of the funds provided under such grant. (ii) Exception The Secretary may waive the matching fund requirement under clause (i) if the eligible entity demonstrates exceptional circumstances. (C) Application To receive a grant under this paragraph, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary, at such time as the Secretary may require, an application that— (i) identifies and designates the agency, institution, or school responsible for the administration and supervision of the program assisted under this paragraph; (ii) provides an assurance that matching funds will be obtained before implementation of the grant; (iii) describes how the eligible entity will use the grant funds, including how such funds will directly benefit students, including special populations, served by the eligible entity