The CLIU serves as the coordinating agency that brings together diverse school districts, vocational schools, businesses, higher education and community groups. The CLIU uses a "regional team" approach and through cooperation and collaboration among school districts and community agencies, provides innovative, responsive, and cost-effective programs. It is the job of the Intermediate Unit to facilitate inter-district cooperation, provide educational and administrative services to schools, and function as a link between the Pennsylvania Department of Education and local school districts.