NCRF brings Latino College Expo back to La Verne for Hispanic Heritage Month kickoff

National College Resources Foundation will host the 13th Annual Latino College Expo on Sept. 12 at the University of La Verne, offering students and families free access to more than 60 colleges, financial aid help and career resources. The event arrives as Hispanic Heritage Month begins and includes on-the-spot admissions, scholarships and Spanish-language support.

Why it matters: - The free Expo gives students and families direct access to college admissions, financial aid help and career pathways in one place. - The event is timed to Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting Latino educational access and student mobility. - NCRF is positioning the Expo as a gateway for scholarships, internships and other resources that can change enrollment decisions.

What happened: - National College Resources Foundation will host the 13th Annual Latino College Expo on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the University of La Verne, 950 3rd Street, La Verne, Calif. - The event is free and open to students of all backgrounds and their families. - More than 60 colleges and universities are expected to participate, along with trade schools, educational programs, employers and community organizations. - NCRF said the Expo opens the same week the nation begins celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

The details: - Participating schools include public, private and independent institutions, HBCUs, military programs and other education pathways. - Select institutions may offer on-the-spot admissions, application fee waivers and scholarships. - Families will get help completing FAFSA and Cal Grant applications. - NCRF will share information on DREAM Act resources and other financial aid options. - Spanish-speaking families will have staff and volunteers available for support throughout the day. - College transfer students and adult learners are encouraged to attend. - NCRF Celebrity Ambassadors Cece “The Mamacita” Valencia and Carolina “Caro” Márquez will emcee the event and award scholarships. - Interactive seminars will cover Money Making Careers, How to Survive in College, How to Find Money for College and U.S. Navy STEAM scholarships worth up to $200,000. - Sponsors include America’s Navy, Foundation Clothing, Casualty Actuarial Society, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, University of California President’s Office, Edison International, Los Angeles Community College District, Northgate Market and SoCalGas. - More information is available here. - Media inquiries, interview requests and credential questions are directed to Melanie Eke Washington.

Between the lines: - The Expo blends college recruitment with financial aid navigation, which can matter as much as admissions for many first-generation and low-income students. - NCRF is using a large convening of colleges and community partners to turn a heritage-month event into a practical access point for enrollment. - The focus on Spanish-language support signals an effort to remove a common barrier for Latino families.

What's next: - Students and families can attend the Expo in person on Sept. 12 to meet schools, apply for aid and explore scholarship opportunities. - NCRF will continue promoting the event through social channels and its website. - The organization also points to its broader mission of connecting underserved students to college, careers and beyond.

The bottom line: - NCRF is turning Hispanic Heritage Month into a recruiting and access event, with free admission, financial aid help and dozens of schools under one roof.