; and (ii) an existing partnership with an employer acting in either an advisory capacity or actively participating in the pre-apprenticeship program. (D) Creating or expanding youth apprenticeship programs An eligible entity applying to create or expand a youth apprenticeship program and carry out the purpose described in subsection (a)(1)(A)(iv) shall include as part of the application a description of— (i) an existing partnership with at least one high school offering related instruction for the youth apprenticeship program, with— (I) integration into the academic content of the high school diploma requirements; or (II) demonstrated plans for integration of related instruction into that academic content; and (ii) an existing partnership with an employer acting in either an advisory capacity or actively participating in the youth apprenticeship program. (E) Creating or expanding rural apprenticeship programs An eligible entity applying to create or expand a rural apprenticeship program and carry out the purpose described in subsection (a)(1)(A)(v) shall include as part of the application a description of how the program will address workforce needs. (2) Encouraging employer participation (A) Individuals with barriers to employment An eligible entity applying to encourage employer participation in a covered apprenticeship program that targets individuals with barriers to employment and carry out the purpose described in subsection (a)(1)(B)(i) shall include as part of the application a description of— (i) specific strategies to target both individuals with barriers to employment and employers for participation in the program