BUTLER TWP — The board of trustees of Butler County Community College on Wednesday approved an agreement with community colleges in Allegheny, Beaver and Westmoreland counties.

The partnership, which will be effective July 1, allows students at each institution to access a wider variety of programs.

A reduced tuition of $150 per credit hour will be charged.

“It really helps us to share resources and helps our lobbying in Harrisburg,” Nick Neupauer, BC3 president, said.

Normally, BC3, for example, charges out-of-county students a tuition double that of county residents. Including tuition and fees, county residents pay about $124 per credit hour to attend BC3.

In other business, the trustees learned that the college’s Shaffer Walking Trail will be dedicated at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the BC3 Field House trail head, located on the main campus.

Lunch is set for 11:30 a.m., followed by a group walk at noon. Reservations are required and may be obtained by contacting Ruth Orloski at 724-287-8711, Ext. 8161, or ruth.orloski@bc3.edu

The trail dedication is in conjunction with two other events in the BC3 Field House. Island Bash XIII, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will feature food, music and activities. A Health and Benefits Fair is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.