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MALIBU, Calif.,ÌýLANHAM, Md., and CHICAGO,ÌýApril 27, 2021 -- 2U, Inc. (Nasdaq: ), and ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Education, two global leaders in education technology, today announced a joint initiative to power Pepperdine University's new online Master of Public Policy and Leadership (MPPL) degree. This program marks 2U's first partnership with the  and the 11^th online degree offering that 2U powers across four schools at . Today's announcement also marks the second 2U-ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ joint initiative since the two companies announced a strategic partnership in February 2019.

Building on the success of Pepperdine's —a top 10 graduate policy program in the West, as ranked by U.S. News and World Report—this 33-credit online MPPL program will equip graduates with the necessary tools and skills to become public leaders across government, nonprofit, and policy-related business sectors. Designed for early- and mid-career professionals and set to launch in 2022, the program also includes three stackable certificates—a first of its kind for Pepperdine—focused on local government, education policy, and policy communications.

"With the pandemic impacting every industry and government sector in seismic ways, there has never been a more important moment to broaden access to rigorous, engaging, and flexible training for today and tomorrow's public leaders," said Pete Peterson, dean and Braun Family Dean's Chair of the Pepperdine School of Public Policy. "We are thrilled to begin this partnership with ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ—building on Pepperdine University's thriving relationship with 2U—to expand the reach of our traditional MPP program, one of the highest-ranked programs of its kind in the West, with these unique added components of stackability and flexibility."

In today's complex political and economic environment, professionals with a degree in public policy will be positioned to tackle important issues of public interest and serve society in meaningful ways. Amid the current pandemic and political climate, policy professionals who can humanize politics, create sustainable policy solutions, and practice effective public leadership are needed now more than ever.

"Pepperdine University and 2U have worked collaboratively since 2017 to expand access to its distinguished graduate programs, and we're thrilled to continue our important work together with the launch of the new online MPPL," said Andrew Hermalyn, 2U's president of global partnerships. "This program is truly innovative, and it shows how high-quality online higher education programs can open doors for mid-career professionals looking to unlock new skills, experiences, and fulfilling career opportunities."

"ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ is excited to continue our strategic partnership with 2U to power this online degree program with Pepperdine, an esteemed and student-centered university with a strong commitment to quality, flexibility, and innovation in higher education," said Steve Fireng, CEO of ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Education. "At ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ, we strive to deliver purposeful online programs that deliver career-relevant skills, and I have no doubt Pepperdine's online MPPL will do just that."

Pepperdine University has partnered with 2U since 2017 to offer a  in business, law, and psychology across three schools at the institution. In addition, the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School offers , powered by 2U, in fintech and digital marketing.

To learn more about the range of 2U-powered online degrees and boot camps Pepperdine offers through its partnership with 2U, please visit: .

About ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Education
The key to transforming education is to unlock greatness – in educators, in individuals and in our people. As a leading global EdTech company, ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Education partners with the world's leading educators to develop, design and deliver the most career-relevant online education solutions that meet the needs of the future-of-work and help solve global social and economic challenges. We are an international team of experienced education experts with offices and partners across the United States,ÌýCanada, the United Kingdom and Australia. To learn more visit .

About 2U, Inc.
Eliminating the back row in higher education is not just a metaphor—it's our mission. For more than a decade, 2U, Inc., a global leader in education technology, has been a trusted partner and brand steward of great universities. We build, deliver, and support more than 500 educational offerings, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, professional certificates, Trilogy-powered boot camps, and GetSmarter short courses. Together with our partners, 2U has positively transformed the lives of more than 300,000 students and lifelong learners. To learn more, visit 2U.com. #NoBackRow

About Pepperdine University School of Public Policy
°Õ³ó±ðÌý (SPP) is built on a distinctive philosophy of nurturing public leaders to use tools of analysis and policy design to effect real change. Grounded in understanding policy's moral and distinctly American elements, SPP prepares graduates for careers as leaders by offering a . The school's  promotes citizen-focused leadership in local government through training and consulting programs. SPP also runs other co-curricular initiatives in education policy, crisis management and political philosophy.  Follow SPP on ,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý, and .

Contacts:

ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Education:
Ashley McGuire
Senior Corporate Communications Manager
ashley.mcguire@keypathedu.com

2U, Inc.
Kate Welk
media@2u.com

Pepperdine University
Sheryl Covey
sheryl.covey@pepperdine.edu