San Diego State hosted the 10th annual San Diego County College Expo Saturday. This year’s theme was titled “College is still the best investment!” The event provides underrepresented students with information that will aid them in the application process for college and financial aid opportunities. San Diego County universities and community colleges were in attendance for this collaborative event that rotates campuses every two years.

More than 1,000 students and family members attended making this year’s expo the largest effort to date. The event kicked off with a welcome from Sandra Cook, SDSU assistant vice president of Academic Affairs, Enrollment Services.

“Even with the budget problems there is a way to get to college if you really want it,” Cook said. “This event opens students’ eyes to the opportunity of having their lives transformed through higher education.”

The event featured 10 workshops with English and Spanish options. Radio Latina XLTN 104.5 FM provided music, raffle prizes and facilitated the Spanish-speaking workshops for students and families. The station has been involved with the College Expo for seven years. Ellen Ascher, a representative for the station, described XLTN’s dedication to the event.

“We do whatever we can to improve the quality for our community, and education is the best investment you can make in your future,” Ascher said.

One of the workshop topics was “College Boot Camp.” The session highlighted the benefits of a college degree and provided steps and strategies to make students as competitive as possible for their top college choices. Augie Hernandez and his daughter Hope, a sophomore at Point Loma High School, said this year’s expo was a great experience.

“The presenters were really good this year. They made everything seem quick and easy,” Hernandez said.

“I’m excited because I got to learn important things about the college process that my school doesn’t provide,” his daughter added.