The Santa Clarita Public Library will host a series of free college preparation programs for teens starting this fall at the Old Town Newhall, Valencia and Canyon Country branches.

Free and usable information will be provided for participating students and their parents at each workshop, including:

* College 101- Hosted on Monday, September 23, 2013 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Old Town Newhall Library: This program is presented by Pegasus2edu and will cover an overview of the California State and University of California systems and provide information on the pros and cons of going to a private university, the differences between the ACT and SAT tests, and the application process.

* College Prep Online – Hosted on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Valencia Library: This informative program led by library staff will educate participants about college prep tools and databases offered at the library, including: tutoring online, ACT and SAT practice tests and scholarship searches.

* Application Essay Workshop – Hosted on Thursday, October 10, 2013 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Valencia Library: This workshop is presented by Kaplan and will offer free help with college application essays as well as reviewing the overall application process.  Prior registration is required.

* ACT/SAT Practice Test – Hosted on Saturday, November 2, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Canyon Country Library: This four hour test will be presented by Kaplan for students who want to practice their testing skills.   Registration is required and a follow-up program offering individualized advice and tactics for students based on their test results will take place on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at 6:45 p.m.

For more information or to register for programming, please visit www.SantaClaritaLibrary.com or contact Young Adult Services Coordinator Karen Cruze at kcruze@santaclaritalibrary.com.