Families and students of Gilbert Public Schools are invited to the district’s second annual College and Career Fair on Monday, Oct. 20, at Gilbert High School.

The fair will include more than 80 colleges, trade schools, universities, businesses and industry partners seeking to connect with students now or after graduation. The event will run from 6 to 8 p.m.

Students and families may arrive early to attend any of four pre-sessions, 30-minute presentations beginning at 5 p.m. that offer information on specific topics.

The pre-session topics include:

• 5 p.m.: Common App with College Connect Tempe;
• 5 p.m.: Move Over Bob (tentative) — a presentation on nontraditional career pathways;
• 5:30 p.m.: Paying for College with The College Funding Coach;
• 5:30 p.m.: Financial Aid and FAFSA with the director for College Ready Arizona.

“We’re ensuring that the fair is a good picture of what students can do after high school, bringing in a balanced mix of colleges, universities, trades, community colleges and workforce opportunities,” said Renita Miller, GPS program and workforce development coordinator.

Students can meet with industry partners and representatives from colleges, universities, and trade and technical schools in fields such as aviation, nursing, and auto diesel.

The event will also include local organizations and businesses offering jobs, internships, and apprenticeships for students or graduates.

The fair will again use StriveScan, a tool that allows students to select areas of interest, track their connections with academic advisers and access information about tables they were unable to visit during the fair.