; (B) establishing industry and sector partnerships to inform such programs; and (C) providing necessary student supports. (2) Award amounts The total amount of funds awarded under this section to an eligible entity shall not exceed— (A) in the case of an eligible entity that is a single eligible institution, $2,500,000; and (B) in the case of an eligible entity that is a consortia of eligible institutions, $15,000,000. (3) Award period A grant, contract, or cooperative agreement awarded under this section shall be for a period of not more than 4 years, except that the Secretary may extend such a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement for an additional 2-year period, based on the outcomes reported under subsection (g)(1) of the programs supported under such grant, contract, or cooperative agreement. (4) Equitable distribution In awarding funds under this section, the Secretary shall ensure, to the extent practicable, the equitable distribution of funds, based on— (A) geography (such as urban and rural distribution); and (B) States and local areas significantly impacted by the COVID–19 national emergency. (c) Priority In awarding funds under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that will use such funds to serve individuals impacted by the COVID–19 national emergency, as demonstrated by providing an assurance in the application submitted under subsection (d) that the eligible entity will use such funds to— (1) serve such individuals with barriers to employment, veterans, spouses of members of the Armed Forces, Native American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, individuals with disabilities, or incumbent workers who are low-skilled and who need to increase their employability skills; (2) serve such individuals from each major racial and ethnic group and gender with lower than average educational attainment in the State or employment in the in-demand industry sector or occupation that such award will support