More than 1,000 students and families attended Newport-Mesa Unified School District's 2026 College & Career Fair at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
The free event connected attendees with representatives from about 90 colleges, universities and international schools, along with business and industry professionals, according to the district. Financial Partners Credit Union, Orange Coast College and Studio+ sponsored the fair.
The fair served families across the district, including those at Newport Beach schools such as Newport Harbor High, Corona del Mar High and Ensign Intermediate. Both Newport Harbor and Corona del Mar posted the district's recap on their school news pages.
Lisa Snowden, the district's work-based learning coordinator, said in the district's recap that planning for life after high school "can feel overwhelming, and families often have questions about where to start." The fair, she said, brought resources and people together so families could understand their options.
Workshops covered financial aid, NCAA recruiting and scholarships, apprenticeships and earning college credit while still in high school. New this year, sessions addressed accommodations and accessibility guidance for students with disabilities transitioning to college, including Individual Transition Plans (ITPs) and support services in higher education.
Younger students got a look at what lies ahead, too. A Pathway Playground area let elementary and middle school students try hands-on activities tied to Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways, exploring interests and strengths through interactive stations.
The fair is part of NMUSD's 2026–2031 Strategic Plan, which the district shared in August. That plan centers on four focus areas: Academics, Belonging, Connections and Resources. It also outlines a "Portrait of a Graduate" describing the qualities the district wants every student to develop.
Families who missed the fair can visit the district's College & Career Fair webpage or contact Snowden at [email protected] or 714-424-5036.
