Special TV program aims to improve after-high-school education in Idaho

Students, parents can call live to college and trade school reps during upcoming TV program aimed at overcoming roadblocks to post high school education.

January 22, 2015

Idahoans who end their education in high school can expect to earn only half as much as those with a four-year degree, yet fewer than 47 percent of the state’s 2013 high school graduates went on to enroll in a two- or four-year degree program. Why are Idaho’s high school students not going on to college or other postsecondary education programs, and what resources are available to assist them? The Idaho State Board of Education and Idaho Public Television have worked together to examine some of these issues, along with identifying some of the roadblocks interfering with students going on to higher education in Idaho. They have come up with some suggested solutions to help students and parents prepare for their future. The Board of Education and Idaho Public Television have co-sponsored and put together a television show aimed at helping students and parents with these issues. A key part of this program is that during the airing of the program, live representatives of Idaho's colleges and universities will be available for consultation by telephone. Idaho Public Television’s Joan Cartan-Hansen will host this live 90-minute show. She will be joined by a panel of professionals from the field of education who will look at efforts across the state to help high school students and their parents prepare for college and other postsecondary programs. They will give practical advice on finding the right postsecondary program, applying for college, and finding the money to pay for it. The TV show, Journey to College, airs January 26 at 8:00 p.m. on Idaho Public Television. During the live broadcast on January 26th, students and parents will be able to ask questions about college applications and scholarships and can receive guidance about completing the FAFSA by calling a toll free number (1-844-743-7200). Representatives from the state’s colleges and universities will be available at this number during the program to provide valuable information in each of those areas. Click here to see the official flyer for this upcoming program.