Free Southwest Detroit College Fair Connects Latino Students and Families

The 5th Annual SHPE Detroit College Fair aims to provide bilingual resources and support to help navigate the path to higher education.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:36pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a stack of college textbooks and a graduation cap repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the educational opportunities and community support available at a free college fair for Latino students and families.A free college fair in Southwest Detroit aims to inspire Latino students and families to pursue higher education through hands-on guidance and community support.Today in Detroit

A free college fair taking place this Saturday in Southwest Detroit will connect Latino students and families with colleges, universities, and community organizations. The 5th Annual SHPE Detroit College Fair is designed to provide bilingual resources and guidance to help navigate the college application process, explore academic programs, and learn about financial aid options.

Why it matters

Many Latino students and families in Southwest Detroit face barriers and uncertainty when it comes to the college process. This event aims to break down those barriers by bringing together key resources and support in one accessible location, empowering attendees to pursue higher education opportunities.

The details

Organized by the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Detroit, the college fair will feature representatives from colleges, universities, and community organizations offering information on academic programs, admissions requirements, and support services. The event will also include bilingual workshops covering topics like the FAFSA, financial aid, and the college application process. In addition, there will be interactive STEAM-based activities, live demonstrations, and raffles for laptops and tablets to encourage student participation.

  • The 5th Annual SHPE Detroit College Fair will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 10am to 2pm.
  • The event has been hosted annually for the past 5 years, growing in both attendance and scope over that time.

The players

Maridy Mazaira

President of SHPE Detroit, the organization that hosts the annual college fair.

Gabriela Santiago-Romero

Detroit City Council Member who led the ribbon-cutting at the 4th Annual SHPE Detroit College Fair in 2025.

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Detroit

The local chapter of the national organization that aims to expand access to educational and professional opportunities for Hispanic and Latino students.

Ford Hispanic & Latino Network

A corporate partner that has helped support the SHPE Detroit College Fair.

General Motors Latino Network

A corporate partner that has helped support the SHPE Detroit College Fair.

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What they’re saying

“This college fair is about access, opportunity, and support. For many Latino students and families the college process can feel confusing or overwhelming, especially for first-generation families.”

— Maridy Mazaira, President of SHPE Detroit

“Many families may not attend traditional college fairs because of cost, language barriers, or because they are unsure how the college process works. When families better understand the process, they are more equipped to support their children through it.”

— Maridy Mazaira, President of SHPE Detroit

“I hope students leave feeling inspired and more confident about their future. We want students to leave knowing that college is possible and that there are people ready to support them along the way.”

— Maridy Mazaira, President of SHPE Detroit

What’s next

Registration for the free college fair is available online, though walk-ins will also be accommodated as space allows. More information can be found at the event's Eventbrite page: https://2026collegefair.eventbrite.com

The takeaway

This college fair is a valuable resource for Latino students and families in Southwest Detroit, providing bilingual guidance and support to help navigate the path to higher education. By connecting attendees with colleges, universities, and community organizations, the event aims to break down barriers and inspire students to pursue academic and career opportunities, particularly in high-demand STEAM fields.