The tenth annual conference, "College: Making It Happen," will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and cover such topics as academic preparation for college success, how parents can positively impact student achievement and financing a college education.

"We've reached more than 18,000 family members over the past nine years," said Fidel Ramirez, associate director of Northridge's Office of Student Outreach and Recruitment. "This conference has provided parents and students the opportunity to learn about colleges and universities."

More than 1,000 families and students from throughout the San Fernando Valley are expected to participate.

The day will feature activities for the entire family, from pre-kindergarten to high school students and their parents.

California has officially proclaimed February as "College Awareness Month," and the conference is part of a statewide campaign.

For more information about the conference, call Ramirez at (818) 677-5681 or Jerry De Felice at (818) 677-6369.

California State University, Northridge has 33,000 full- and part-time students and offers 61 bachelor's and 42 master's degrees as well as 28 education credential programs. Founded in 1958, it is the only four-year university in the San Fernando Valley and the fourth largest in the 23-campus CSU system. The university serves as the intellectual, economic and cultural heart of the Valley and beyond.