January 7, 2026

Drexel University’s School of Education and the Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units (PAIU) are proud to announce a new partnership that will benefit educators across the Commonwealth.

Through the partnership, intermediate units and respective member school district employees are eligible to receive tuition savings on Drexel University’s online academic programs, including a 30% - 52% savings on all academic programs in the School of Education.

“We’re honored to announce this partnership as a demonstration of Drexel University’s ongoing commitment to supporting the education sector across Pennsylvania—both in classrooms and in administration,” said Aroutis Foster, PhD, interim dean and professor for the School of Education. “This is a strategic collaboration that aligns Drexel more closely with PAIU, helping us better understand the unique needs of each Intermediate Unit and tailor our academic offerings to meet those needs.”

The School of Education offers a wide range of masters, doctoral, and certificate programs that are taught completely online, making education more accessible to PAIU members.

“Our partnership with the PAIU was developed in part to remove barriers to higher education and provide accessible pathways for educators,” said Jack Barnes, Director of Student Recruitment. “Through tuition savings of 30%–52% and flexible online program options, educators can balance work, family, and professional growth.”

The School of Education will also work with the PAIU to identify professional development opportunities to help intermediate units address pressing issues within their organizations.

“We appreciate Drexel’s commitment to supporting the Pennsylvania Intermediate Units, as we both share a mission to enhance education across the Commonwealth,” said Mark Leidy, EdD, executive director of the PAIU. “This collaboration enables more strategic and effective professional development for staff across the state—whether in classrooms or administrative offices. Through Drexel’s partnership benefits, we’re also reducing financial barriers for those pursuing continued learning, and we greatly appreciate Drexel’s contribution to that effort.”

The launch of the new partnership coincides with the launch of the new EdD in Advanced Executive Leadership, an accelerated 2-year doctorate program geared towards professionals in high-level leadership positions.

“As part of this agreement, we’re launching the inaugural EdD in Advanced Executive Leadership cohort, a two-year accelerated doctorate in which PAIU-associated leaders in K–12 education can collaboratively address persistent challenges facing Pennsylvania’s schools,” said Harriette Rasmussen, EdD, associate program director and assistant clinical professor for the School of Education’s EdD programs. “This collaboration allows us to design learning experiences specific to Pennsylvania’s schools. Through this partnership, members of the inaugural cohort will engage with peers statewide to explore common problems of practice, share strategies, and drive meaningful educational innovation while earning their doctorate.”

Drexel University launched a new website highlighting the partnership’s benefits. PAIU members can explore academic programs, tuition savings, and financial aid options by visiting, https://online.drexel.edu/paiu.