Families, students, young adults, and the professionals who support them are invited to one of the most anticipated events of the year. Registration is now open for the Fall West Coast ALT Fair, taking place September 24–25, 2026, at the Don Tatzin Community Hall, Lafayette Public Library in Lafayette, California.
Hosted by Prepare to Bloom, Lighthouse Guidance, and Weatherhead Strategic Services, the ALT Fair brings together families, educators, clinicians, consultants, and innovative programs to explore the many pathways available beyond the traditional four-year college experience.
Registration Is Open For:
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Parents
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High School Students
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Young Adults
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Therapists
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College Counselors
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Community Members
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Referring Professionals
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Alternative to College Programs
Whether you're exploring options for yourself, supporting a family, expanding your referral network, or representing a program, the ALT Fair offers an opportunity to connect with the people and resources that make meaningful next steps possible.
Discover What's Possible Beyond the Traditional College Path
Since launching in 2014, the Alternative to College Fair has helped hundreds of families across the country discover post-secondary opportunities that often go unnoticed. Created to address the growing need for alternatives to the traditional college route, the ALT Fair has become a trusted national event held twice each year.
This year's West Coast event features organizations and programs specializing in:
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Gap year and wellness programs
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Young adult transitional living
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College support services
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Apprenticeships
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Therapeutic programs
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And many other innovative post-secondary pathways
Two Days Designed for Different Audiences
September 24, 2026 — ALT Fair Community Night
5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Don Tatzin Community Hall, Lafayette Public Library
Free and open to Parents, High School Students, Young Adults, Therapists, College Counselors, and Community Members.
Community Night offers families and professionals the chance to meet directly with program representatives, ask questions, compare options, and discover resources that may be the right fit for students whose path looks different from the traditional college experience.
"I came in feeling like we had run out of road. I left with a map I didn't know existed. Every family who thinks their child has no options needs to be in that room." — ALT Fair Attendee
Register as an Attendee | Apply for a 1-Day Vendor Space
September 25, 2026 — Professional Networking Day
8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Don Tatzin Community Hall, Lafayette Public Library
Open to Referring Professionals and Alternative to College Programs.
Designed specifically for therapists, educational consultants, social workers, college counselors, transition specialists, and program representatives, this full-day networking event creates meaningful opportunities to build referral relationships, learn about new resources, and strengthen professional collaborations that ultimately benefit young adults and their families.
Register as a Referring Professional | Apply for a 2-Day Vendor Package | Become a Food & Coffee Sponsor
Meet the Team Behind the ALT Fair
The Alternative to College Fair is produced by Shayna Abraham, Adrienne Frumberg, and Carrie Weatherhead, whose combined experience in therapeutic consulting, college guidance, young adult transition services and strategic planning services for programs has helped shape one of the country's most respected alternative education events.
Together, they share a commitment to ensuring every student and family understands the full range of opportunities available after high school.
Save the Dates
September 24, 2026 | 5:00–8:00 PM
Community Night for Families, Students, and Community Professionals
September 25, 2026 | 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Professional Networking Day for Referring Professionals and Alternative to College Programs
Location:
Don Tatzin Community Hall
Lafayette Public Library
Lafayette, California
Whether you're a parent searching for answers, a student exploring possibilities, a clinician building referral partnerships, or a program looking to connect with families, the ALT Fair is designed to help people discover new opportunities and create meaningful connections.
About the ALT Fair:
The Alternative to College Fair is a national event series held twice each year that helps students, families, and professionals explore nontraditional post-secondary pathways. By bringing together innovative programs, educational resources, and experienced professionals under one roof, the ALT Fair empowers attendees to think beyond conventional options and discover environments where young adults can thrive.
For more information, visit www.preparetobloom.com/alt-fair-1 or contact Prepare to Bloom at info@preparetobloom.com or (650) 888-4575.