College fair is tonight

The Newport-Mesa Unified School District plans to hold its annual college night tonight at the Orange County Fairgrounds, with a record number of colleges and universities in attendance.

During the annual event, college counselors and admissions specialists talk with students and their families. This year, 136 institutions are expected to send representatives, with University of California and California State University schools, Ivy League universities and community colleges among those on the list.

Ann Brown, the coordinator of the event, said she was expecting around 3,000 students and parents to attend.

“I just think there’s a sparked interest among students,” she said. “It’s very competitive. We’re looking to build success in our students beyond high school, and I think our students realize that.”

College night is in Building 12 at the fairgrounds between 7 and 9 p.m.