; and (C) reduce gaps in access to data science and statistics courses for underrepresented students. (4) Providing— (A) evidence-based professional development for data science and statistics educators and specialists; or (B) evidence-based training for educators and specialists transitioning from other subjects to data science and statistics. (5) With respect to data literacy education, collaborating with 1 or more of the following regional entities: (A) Industry. (B) A nonprofit organization. (C) An out-of-school education provider. (D) A two- or four-year institution of higher education. (6) Recruiting and hiring instructional personnel, including specialists in data science and statistics pedagogy and curricula. (7) Preparing to continue project activities after the end of the grant period. (8) Disseminating information about effective practices in data science and statistics education. (b) Additional allowable uses of grant funds for certain eligible entities In addition to the activities described in subsection (a)— (1) in the case of an eligible entity that is not an institution of higher education, such entity may use the grant funds to— (A) increase access to and support for data literacy education for students at the pre-kindergarten through middle school levels to prepare such students for data literacy education at the high school level; (B) prepare and support teachers to teach students to— (i) understand data; and (ii) use computational, analytical, and statistical thinking to solve problems; and (C) provide support and resources for underrepresented students; (2) in the case of an eligible entity that is an institution of higher education (or an eligible consortium that includes such an institution), such entity may use the grant funds to provide financial support and mentorship to underrepresented students