With a college degree fast becoming a 21st century necessity, the U.S. Department of Education's monthly TV show, "Education News Parents Can Use," will spotlight student financial assistance in a program entitled, "Paying for College: Think Federal Aid First."

The program airs from 8 to 9 p.m. ET tonight on the Dish Network, dozens of PBS stations and numerous cable outlets. Many more stations will broadcast the show on a tape-delayed basis. A complete listing of viewing options is available at www.ed.gov/edtv. In addition, the program will be available via archived webcast at www.connectlive.com/events/ednews/. Reporters are welcome to attend the broadcast.

Although two thirds of high-growth, high-wage jobs require a college degree, only a third of Americans have one. Tonight's show will offer tips for parents on planning and financing a college education.

The program will feature:

• A taped interview with Secretary Spellings on how the Education Department is helping make higher education accessible and affordable for all students.

• Discussions with Cecilia Cunningham, executive director of the Middle College National Consortium, and Janice Brown, executive director of Kalamazoo Promise, about innovative academic pathways to postsecondary education.

• A conversation with James Boyle, president of College Parents of America, along with Michele Brown and Christine Isett from the U.S. Education Department's Federal Student Aid program on useful tools for navigating the college selection and financing process. And,

• Feature stories on novel approaches to paying for and obtaining a postsecondary education, such as the Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy in Wilmington, Calif., and the Carolina Covenant at the University of North Carolina.

The "Education News Parents Can Use" TV series airs monthly during the school year.

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