; (ii) ensure that each competency-based education program under the demonstration project meets the benchmarks established in accordance with subsection (d)(2)(E); (iii) confirm relevancy of competencies in the labor market; and (iv) improve each such program. (c) Recognition by accrediting agency or association Unless a program has already been recognized as a competency-based education program (including as a direct assessment program) by the accrediting agency or association of the eligible entity, in order to carry out a competency-based education program under a demonstration project under this section, an eligible entity shall include in its application under subsection (b), a letter from the accrediting agency or association of the eligible entity that describes how it will establish and enforce certain standards with respect to such competency-based education program. (d) Selection (1) In general Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of the Empowering Learners through Competency-Based Education Act , the Secretary shall select eligible entities to carry out an demonstration project under this section under which at least one competency-based education program is offered at each eligible entity. (2) Considerations In selecting eligible entities under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall— (A) consider the number and quality of applications received; (B) consider an eligible entity’s— (i) ability to successfully execute the demonstration project as described in the eligible entity’s application under subsection (b); (ii) commitment and ability to effectively finance the demonstration project; (iii) ability to provide administrative capability and the expertise to evaluate student progress based on measures other than credit hours or clock hours; (iv) history of compliance with the requirements of this Act; (v) commitment to work with the Secretary to evaluate the demonstration project and the impact of the demonstration project under subsection (g)(2)