Free college fair aims to expand access for Detroit students and families

April 16, 2026

The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Detroit is hosting its fifth annual college fair on April 18th at Western International High School in Southwest Detroit, specifically designed to help Latino students and families navigate the college application process. The free event will provide bilingual resources, connecting attendees with college representatives, community organizations, and workshops covering topics like financial aid and FAFSA applications. Beyond traditional college information, the fair will feature STEAM activities, demonstrations, and raffles for technology devices to encourage student engagement.

Who is affected

Latino students and families in Southwest Detroit
First-generation college-bound families
Students interested in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) fields
Detroit Public Schools Community District students
Community organizations serving these populations
College and university admissions departments participating in the fair

What action is being taken

SHPE Detroit is hosting the 5th Annual College Fair on April 18th from 10am to 2pm at Western International High School
Representatives from colleges, universities, and community organizations are providing information throughout the day
Bilingual workshops are being offered on FAFSA, financial aid, and college applications
STEAM-based activities, live demonstrations, and take-home kits are being provided
Raffles for laptops and tablets are being held throughout the event
Spanish-language support is being made available to ensure accessibility

Why it matters

This event addresses critical barriers that prevent many Latino families from accessing higher education, including language obstacles, financial confusion, and lack of familiarity with the college application process. By providing bilingual resources and creating a welcoming environment specifically for first-generation families, the fair helps democratize access to higher education information that might otherwise be unavailable to these communities. The focus on STEAM fields is particularly significant because these careers offer higher earning potential and economic stability, which can help break cycles of poverty. The event's growth over five years and documented success stories—such as students progressing from community college to university—demonstrate its tangible impact on students' educational trajectories and long-term opportunities.

What's next

Families can register online at https://2026collegefair.eventbrite.com
Walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows on April 18th
The event continues SHPE Detroit's broader ongoing mission to expand access to educational and professional opportunities

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com