This story was first published in El Central Hispanic News. Lee la historia en español.
In Southwest Detroit, many Latino students and families face questions about where to begin the college process, how to apply and how to afford it. A local college fair taking place this Saturday, April 18, aims to bring those answers together in one place.
Organized by the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Detroit, the 5th Annual College Fair will take place from 10am to 2pm at Western International High School, located at 1500 Scotten St. The free event will connect students and families with colleges, universities and community organizations while offering bilingual resources to help navigate the path to higher education.
“This college fair is about access, opportunity, and support,” said Maridy Mazaira, president of SHPE Detroit. “For many Latino students and families the college process can feel confusing or overwhelming, especially for first-generation families.” She added that the event is designed to create a welcoming environment where attendees can ask questions in English or Spanish and engage directly with institutions.
Organizers say the fair goes beyond a traditional college showcase by offering practical, hands-on guidance for both students and their families. Representatives from colleges, universities and community organizations will be available throughout the day, giving attendees the opportunity to explore academic programs, admissions requirements and support services in one place. The event will also feature bilingual workshops covering key topics such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), financial aid options and navigating the college application process.
“Many families may not attend traditional college fairs because of cost, language barriers, or because they are unsure how the college process works,” Mazaira said. She noted that when families better understand the process, they are more equipped to support their children through it.
The fair also aims to introduce students to long-term academic and career opportunities, particularly in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, or STEAM. Expanding access to these fields remains a key priority for SHPE Detroit, as they are often associated with higher earning potential and greater economic stability.
Families attending the event can expect interactive experiences, including STEAM-based activities, live demonstrations and take-home kits designed to encourage continued learning. Raffles for laptops and tablets will also be held throughout the day, providing additional incentives for student participation.
For many attendees, the value of the event lies in the connections they are able to make. Mazaira noted that even a single conversation can influence a student’s path. “I hope students leave feeling inspired and more confident about their future,” she said. “We want students to leave knowing that college is possible and that there are people ready to support them along the way.”
The college fair is free to attend, and organizers encourage families to participate together. Spanish -language support will be available throughout the event to ensure accessibility for all attendees.
Over the past five years, the event has grown steadily in both attendance and scope. What began as a smaller gathering has evolved into a key community resource, with increasing participation from students, colleges and local organizations. Expanded programming now includes bilingual workshops, professional panels and hands-on STEAM activities aimed at better supporting families.
“One of the most meaningful moments for me was hearing from a student who attended one of our college fairs a few years ago,” SHPE Detroit President Maridy Mazaira recalled. “He shared that he had graduated from community college and was now attending a university pursuing his bachelor’s degree. Stories like this show the real impact this event can have.”
The initiative has also gained support from corporate and community partners, including the Ford Hispanic & Latino Network, the General Motors Latino Network, the DTE Foundation and Detroit Public Schools Community District. These partnerships have helped broaden outreach efforts and connect more students and families with valuable resources.
Despite its growth, organizers emphasize that the fair remains focused on families who may feel uncertain about the college process. “This event was created for you,” Mazaira noted. “You don’t need to know everything before you attend. Come with your questions or simply curiosity. Sometimes the hardest step is showing up, and we are here to support families every step of the way.”
Registration is available online, though walk-ins are expected to be accommodated as space allows. The annual event is part of SHPE Detroit’s broader mission to expand access to educational and professional opportunities by connecting students with resources, mentorship and career pathways.
The April 18 fair marks the fifth year the organization has hosted the event, continuing its efforts to bridge information gaps and inspire students to pursue higher education and careers in high-demand fields. More information and free registration are available at: https://2026collegefair.eventbrite.com
Andrés Ospina is a Detroit-based freelance journalist and business consultant covering business, entrepreneurship and economic development. Originally from Colombia, he holds a double major in Communications and Journalism and an MBA from the University of Exeter (UK). His work connects the dots between his experience supporting small businesses, startups and organizations and his background in journalism, bringing a practitioner’s perspective to the stories he tells.
This article and photos were made possible thanks to a generous grant to EL CENTRAL Hispanic News by Press Forward, the national movement to strengthen communities by reinvigorating local news. Learn more at www.pressforward.news.
