The Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) held its annual Advocacy Day on June 4, 2025, at the Pennsylvania State Capitol. More than 100 students from after-school programs were joined by educators, program professionals, community leaders, and legislators to show their support and share their experiences. This was highlighted during legislative visits and a rally on the Capitol steps.
The Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit has received a $600,000 grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s Supporting Certified Teacher Registered Apprenticeship (CTRA) Program, part of the Shapiro Administration’s ongoing investment in workforce development and teacher recruitment.
The funding will support the creation of a PK–12 special education teacher apprenticeship program, developed in partnership with BLaST IU 17, Central IU 10, and Schuylkill IU 29. Designed to address the educator shortage across Pennsylvania, this program will provide mentorship, on-the-job training, and a pathway to certification for 18 apprentices in school districts across 13 counties.
Additionally, the CSIU presented and received approval from the Apprenticeship & Training Council on June 5 to launch its PK-12 Special Education post-baccalaureate teacher apprenticeship program in the fall. This approval perfectly aligns with the grant announcement and will continue supporting the teacher pipeline in the region!
Congressman Glenn Thompson Visits CSIU Program U.S. Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson visited the CSIU region with a stop at Work Foundations+ on May 23. Congressman Thompson represents Pennsylvania’s 15th Congressional District, which includes Lewisburg Area, Midd-West, Mifflinburg Area, Milton Area, Selinsgrove Area, Warrior Run school districts and SUN Area Technical Institute. During his visit, Congressman Thompson shared his perspective on education priorities, including expanding the educator pipeline, increasing access to career and technical education and supporting infrastructure improvements for schools. Superintendents from schools in his congressional district joined the visit to highlight their accomplishments and share the innovative initiatives underway. Students from Lewisburg Area and Mifflinburg Area school districts led a tour of Work Foundations+ to share firsthand how the program provides valuable experiences and career preparation.
The visit helped strengthen relationships between the CSIU, local school districts and the legislator, reinforcing a shared commitment to educational opportunity and workforce readiness.
2025 Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units (PAIU) Annual Conference
Pennsylvania’s 29 Intermediate Units gathered for their annual conference at Kalahari Resorts on May 28-30.
The conference, themed, Every Child is a Masterpiece, featured various breakout sessions led by educational leaders focusing on early childhood education, mental health services, curriculum development, and school safety.
Keynotes included Josh Robinson, a professional percussionist and teaching artist, who delivered an engaging presentation titled “Nourishing Inner Peace through Hitting Things,” and Lance Allred, the first deaf player in NBA history, who spoke on his “Five Principles of Perseverance." These principles are: Accountability, Integrity, Compassion, Discomfort, and Leading in Your Own Life.
Watch this video as PAIU 2025 Kid Executive Ana takes over IU 21’s top job to tell Dr. Greg Koons how unique each student is in “Every Child is a Masterpiece.
CSIU Hosts AI Event in June – Additional Events Planned for July
The Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit welcomed educators from across the region to its “AI in Education Showcase” on June 3 at the CSIU central office. The event featured live demonstrations from leading AI vendors focused on transforming K-12 education. Attendees, including teachers, administrators, IT staff and curriculum leaders, explored tools designed to enhance instruction, streamline operations and support student success.
The CSIU will host two additional AI-focused events this summer:
July 23 – “CSIU Summer Leadership Conference” This half-day conference is followed by a networking lunch for principals, curriculum leaders, superintendents and other administrators.
The day will focus on leadership strategies, innovation, and 2025–26 school year preparation. Matt Mervis will also lead this event.
Upcoming Board Meeting: August 20 and September 17
