EUREKA (Sept. 10, 2026) — North Coast Cal-SOAP (Student Opportunity and Access Program), a regional consortium administered by the Humboldt County Office of Education in partnership with local school districts, College of the Redwoods, Cal Poly Humboldt, and supported through funding from the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), invites local students and families to attend the 42nd Annual North Coast College & Career Expo, a free regional event designed to help students explore college, career, trade, military, and financial aid options in one evening.
The 42nd Annual North Coast College & Career Expo will take place on Monday, September 21, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Eureka High School, 1915 J Street, Eureka.
Students and families are encouraged to attend, ask questions, compare options, and leave with next steps for college, career training, financial aid, and future planning.
The College & Career Expo is designed for students in grades 8–12 and their parents or guardians who want to learn more about preparing for college, applying to universities and trade schools, exploring career pathways, and paying for education after high school.
Historically, more than 1,000 people attend this event. More than 70 public and private colleges, universities, trade schools, career pathway programs, and military recruiters will be on site to provide information and answer questions about admission requirements, tuition, housing, academic options, and campus life.
This event is the only college fair in Humboldt County and gives families a one-stop opportunity to compare educational options that may otherwise require long trips to visit individually.
The evening will include more than ten workshops covering college planning, dual enrollment, financial aid, study abroad, athletic eligibility, career technical education, and California’s public higher education systems.
- Dual Enrollment and Cal Poly High School Scholars programs for high school students
- Study Abroad options for current high school students or gap year programs
- College Planning 101
- Understanding the Different College Systems: California Community Colleges, the California State University, and the University of California
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens this year in October, so seniors should plan to attend the financial aid workshops to understand the steps needed to apply for priority funding.
For athletes interested in playing in college, there will be a special workshop on NCAA requirements and eligibility. Hear about career technical education options from College of the Redwoods, local trades, and more.
The goal of this event is to increase the number of regional high school students who are prepared for and enroll in post-secondary options, including college, university, vocational programs, and trade schools.
Promoting a community-wide college-going culture is just one of the strategies used to achieve this goal. The College & Career Expo aims to increase our local students’ knowledge of options for their future and provide relevant information to help answer questions related to post-secondary education.
The College & Career Expo is a fast-paced, information-rich event. Food trucks will be available, and families are encouraged to arrive early, pick up a program, have dinner, and plan their evening. Visit www.hcoe.org/ccx for confirmed representatives, workshop times, and preparation tips. For more information, contact Dr. Silas Radcliffe, Higher Education Pathways Manager, at (707) 441-3973 or sradcliffe@hcoe.org.