funded with grants under this section may include the following: (1) Training and other support for instructors to teach courses in covered subjects to students. (2) The acquisition of materials, hardware, and software necessary for the instruction of covered subjects. (3) Activities that improve the quality of educational materials, training opportunities, and curricula available to students and instructors in covered subjects. (4) Development of travel opportunities, demonstrations, mentoring programs, and informal education in covered subjects for students and instructors. (5) Students’ pursuit of certifications in covered subjects. (d) Preference In making grants under this section, the Secretary shall give preference to eligible entities that are eligible for assistance under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.). (e) Evaluations The Secretary shall establish outcome-based metrics and internal and external assessments to evaluate the merits and benefits of the activities funded with grants under this section with respect to the needs of the Department of Defense. (f) Authorities In carrying out the program under this section, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, make use of the authorities under chapter 111 and sections 2601 and 2605 of this title, and other authorities the Secretary determines appropriate. (g) Definitions In this section: (1) The term eligible entity means a local education agency that hosts a unit of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. (2) The term covered subjects means— (A) science