MOSES LAKE - A college information fair for Hispanic residents of the Big Bend Community College district will be held from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Friday in the ATEC building, 7662 Chanute St., Moses Lake.

The seventh annual "Educate @ Big Bend Latino Education Fair" offers information and workshops on higher education in Spanish and English, said Doug Sly, the college's public information officer.

The 2012 event drew about 200 people, he said. Admission is free.

Workshop topics include navigating the sometimes difficult avenues of financial aid, detailing the admissions process and applying for scholarships. Other speakers will offer information on transfer degrees, technical training programs and support services available at the college.

The idea is to show Hispanic students and parents, and adults who are thinking about continuing their education, the options available to them, said Andre Guzman, the college's STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) grant director.

About 80 percent of BBCC students and 94 percent of its Hispanic students are the first in their family to attend college, Sly said. First generation students are coping with new experiences, Guzman said, and there's no one in the family "who can guide them through the process."

Educate @ Big Bend is designed to help those families, Guzman said. It helps them find the information they need to stay in school and move on to further education if they choose.

People who want more information can contact Julia Gamboa, 509-793-2045, or 1-877-745-1212, ex. 2045.