Acalanes High School families can choose among three free college-prep opportunities in September, including a fair devoted to alternatives to four-year degrees at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center.

The ALT FAIR, set for Thursday, Sept. 24, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lafayette Library, will feature representatives from gap-year programs, trade schools and other non-traditional paths. Families can RSVP through the Acalanes Parents Club College & Career page.

The event builds on growing interest in alternatives across the Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD). In March, the district held its first-ever Career Pathways Fair at the Del Val Education Center, drawing more than 225 students and parents to meet representatives from 27 organizations in trades that do not require a bachelor's degree.

"There is clearly a need for more support and connection for post-graduation options other than four-year colleges … and AUHSD College & Career is here to offer that support," Karen Rooff, co-director of Miramonte High School's College & Career Counseling department, said at the March fair, as reported by the Lamorinda Weekly.

For students eyeing selective universities, the LAUNCH virtual session on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 5 p.m. Pacific brings together admissions officers from Cornell University, Emory University, Pomona College, Rice University and Washington University in St. Louis. All three events are free. The Acalanes Parents Club page describes the session as a chance to meet officers from all five schools and learn what unites their programs. Event details are listed on Rice University's admissions portal.

Students preparing for standardized tests can also sign up for free practice exams through Revolution Prep, offered online via Zoom. A Digital ACT Practice Exam runs Saturday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. An SAT Practice Exam follows Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration and score-review booking are available through Revolution Prep's Acalanes partnership page.

All three opportunities are listed on the Acalanes Parents Club page. The ALT FAIR RSVP and LAUNCH registration close before each event date.