1. Grants for early childhood education apprenticeship programs (a) Establishment The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Education, shall award grants to States to develop, administer, and evaluate apprenticeships. (b) Application A State seeking a grant under this Act shall submit an application to the Secretary for approval at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (c) Uses of funds (1) Required uses A grant under subsection (a) shall be used for activities that develop, administer, and evaluate an apprenticeship, including— (A) equipping apprentices with specialized knowledge, skills, and competencies required to work in early childhood education; (B) increasing the number of apprentices (including apprentices that are in areas that are underserved or rural) with a recognized postsecondary credential, a certificate of completion of an apprenticeship, or a degree from an institution of higher education; (C) promoting recruitment and retention of apprentices; (D) providing a pathway to career advancement for apprentices by assisting such apprentices in completing an apprenticeship and tracking the percent of such completions, including the apprentices who— (i) attend an institution of higher education after completing an apprenticeship; and (ii) enter into employment that is unsubsidized after completing an apprenticeship; (E) supporting partnerships with institutions of higher education in the State, businesses, and other entities participating in an apprenticeship to provide for academic credit for instruction related to the apprenticeship and the application of such credit toward a degree at an institution of higher education; and (F) developing strategies to hire and retain qualified supervisors for apprentices that support such apprentices through— (i) professional development; (ii) mentorship; (iii) evaluation