Families at Northgate High School and other Mount Diablo Unified campuses can log into a free virtual college-planning session Monday, Sept. 14.

The one-hour Google Meet event runs 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and is open to any district parent or guardian with a child in grades 6 through 12. It focuses on CaliforniaColleges.edu, a free online platform that offers college-readiness assessments, financial aid application tools, career exploration resources and help building a post-high-school plan.

The platform is run by the California College Guidance Initiative (CCGI), a statewide nonprofit that partners with school districts across California. Mount Diablo Unified is entering its third year working with CCGI, according to the district's Sept. 11 Friday Letter. The district said its goal for the partnership is helping students build informed plans and pathways for life after graduation.

During Monday's session, families can expect an overview of CaliforniaColleges.edu, a look at how district students are already using the platform and a walkthrough for parents who want to set up their own accounts to track their child's progress.

The district's CCGI web page also offers resources for families who cannot attend the live session.

Mount Diablo Unified serves students across Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Bay Point and other Contra Costa County communities. The platform is available to every middle and high school student in the district.

The Google Meet link for Monday's session is listed in the district's Friday Letter.