The seventh annual conference will cover such topics as financial planning for your child's education, how to create a learning environment at home and the importance of family literacy.

More than 3,000 people are expected to attend the event scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Matador Bookstore complex near the center of the campus.

The day's keynote address will be given by state Sen. Richard Alarcon at 9 a.m. State Assemblyman Tony Cardenas will give the closing remarks about 1:15 p.m.

The day will feature activities for the entire family, from pre-kindergarten to high school students and their parents. More than 20 workshops in English and Spanish will be offered to provide practical and easy-to-understand information on how to prepare academically and financially for college.

Special educational centers will be provided for elementary, middle and high school students while their parents attend separate workshops. Educational child care centers, a pre-kindergarten center and refreshments will also be provided.

For more information, call Fidel Ramirez, interim associate director of student outreach and recruitment, or Juana Maria Valdivia, coordinator of CSUN's pre-college academic program, at (818) 677-2967.

Gov. Gray Davis and the state Legislature have officially proclaimed February as "College Awareness Month." "College: Making It Happen" is part of a statewide campaign to raise college awareness.