; or (ix) creating or expanding industry or sector partnerships to support the pre-apprenticeship program and to provide additional opportunities to the pre-apprentices. (D) Youth apprenticeship programs An eligible entity that receives funds under section 201(a)(1)(A)(iv) shall use such funds to create a new youth apprenticeship program or expand an existing youth apprenticeship program, which may include— (i) paying for the costs associated with curriculum development and alignment of that curriculum with recognized postsecondary credentials including industry-recognized credentials, high school graduation requirements, and related instruction, including curriculum development for dual or concurrent enrollment; (ii) providing employers, and to the extent practicable, labor organizations and joint labor-management organizations, technical assistance to support the participation of youth apprentices under the age of 18; (iii) integrating work-based and academic learning, which may include training in the workplace; (iv) providing career exploration and career planning activities, including exploration of postsecondary opportunities such as apprenticeship programs; (v) providing technical assistance to support the participation of small- and medium-sized businesses in youth apprenticeship programs; (vi) developing or expanding partnerships with organizations that assist program participants in accessing supportive services, which may include the 12-month period after the conclusion of such a youth apprenticeship program