Seated, from left, Steve Tanzilli, dean of business, Point Park University; Tracy Vitale, superintendent, Seneca Valley; and Belinda Richardson, vice president for academic affairs, Butler County Community College.

JACKSON TWP — A new agreement between Seneca Valley School District, Butler County Community College and Point Park University will allow high school students to get credits at both colleges with expanded program offerings.

Tracy Vitale, Seneca Valley superintendent, and representatives from BC3 and Point Park University signed an agreement Thursday that would provide college credits at BC3 or Point Park University for Seneca Valley students who earn it by taking BC3's College in High School courses.

The credits earned at BC3 will transfer to Point Park University thanks to the new articulation agreement between the two schools.

Additionally, dance students at Seneca Valley can now get five college credits at Point Park University for taking tap, ballet and improvisation courses at Seneca Valley's Academy of Choice.

This new partnership fits well with Seneca Valley's goal to make sure its graduates are college or career ready, said Tracy Vitale, Seneca Valley superintendent. The sooner they can do that the better, whether that means getting students college credits early or finding out they don't want to pursue a certain path.

Matt McKinley, Seneca Valley assistant superintendent, said the district has been trying to work out an agreement like this with BC3 for years, but the timing was finally right for the details to work out.

A full story will apear in the Butler Eagle.