High school students looking for a path to college can find help at the 20th annual East Bay College Connection Fair hosted at Saint Mary's College of California. The East Bay College Connection Fair is designed for high school juniors, seniors, parents and college counselors and offers opportunities to connect with representatives from more than 150 institutions of higher learning, including private colleges and public universities from across the country. The college fair is free and open to the public.

What: East Bay College Connection Fair

When: Saturday, April 9, 2011, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Where: Saint Mary's College of California, 1928 St. Mary's Road, Moraga, Calif. 94556

Cost: Free

Background: The event will include workshops – some conducted in Spanish – on topics such as the admissions process, how to apply for financial aid, application deadlines, federal and state aid, loan programs and advice for first-generation college students.

Parking is limited. A free shuttle will run between the Orinda BART station and Saint Mary's every 20 minutes between 12:30 and 4:30 p.m. The BART Shuttle will depart from the Orinda station for Saint Mary's every 20 minutes between 12:30 and 4:30 p.m. Visit the BART website for schedules.

The East Bay College Connection Fair is sponsored by the Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC) and Saint Mary's College of California. Students can pre-register at www.wacaccollegefair.com. For more information about the East Bay College Connection Fair or a list of participating schools, go to: www.stmarys-ca.edu/ebcc or call the Saint Mary's College Admissions Office at (925) 631-4224.