By Cynthia Hubert

September 30, 2022

Sacramento State will again welcome thousands of Spanish-speaking students and their families from across Northern California on Saturday for the annual Feria de Educación.

The 10^th annual education fair, held virtually for the past two years because of pandemic safety concerns, will provide Spanish speakers with resources to help them navigate California’s education system. The goal is to bring more of this cohort into higher education, at either Sac State or another college or university.

Participants can take part in workshops and campus tours, and learn more about the state’s community colleges and universities, dozens of which are sending representatives to the daylong event.

"The event engages Spanish-speaking parents and families in their home language, in an environment inclusive of their experiences." -- Erik Ramirez, Sac State director of Equity and Affinity Centers

Students can receive one-on-one help applying for financial aid or CSU admission. This year’s fair also will offer resources specifically for undocumented students and presentations in Spanish for parents.

The free event, held in partnership with Univision 19, will be in the University Union.

Organizers expect about 2,000 people to attend, including students from Stockton, Lodi, Manteca, and Vacaville, said Erik Ramirez, Sac State’s director of Equity and Affinity Centers.

“Feria is a truly special event,” Ramirez said. “It promotes access to higher education for Hispanic students, provides reliable and up-to-date information about California’s education system, and exposes attendees to critical resources and support.

“Most importantly, the event engages Spanish-speaking parents and families in their home language, in an environment inclusive of their experiences.”

Ramirez said the fair “exemplifies Sac State’s commitment to intentionally serving Hispanic students and their families.”

Sac State was designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution in 2015 after meeting the threshold of 25% of its full-time undergraduate students identifying as members of that group. The designation has allowed the University to accept millions of dollars in federal grants designed to help advance Hispanic education.

In 2020, the University received a prestigious Seal of Excelencia for its commitment to Latino students.