Gov. Doyle: Announces 71,400 students have signed the Wisconsin Covenant

Contacts: Laura Smith, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162

Emily Winecke, Department of Administration, 608-266-7362

MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced that 18,264 students signed the Wisconsin Covenant Pledge in the fourth year of the program, bringing the total number of students who have signed the pledge and indicated that they plan to go on to college to more than 71,400 students across the state. The first class of students to sign the pledge are currently seniors in high school and preparing to make the transition to college next fall.

“I am encouraged that so many students have signed the Wisconsin Covenant and chosen the path to higher education that will help train them for the high-paying, technical jobs we need to compete in the global economy,” Governor Doyle said. “Regardless of their family’s economic background, their past academic behavior, and whether anyone in their family has a college degree, all students need to know that higher education is an option for them.”

Students who participate in the Wisconsin Covenant sign a pledge affirming that they will earn a high school diploma, participate in their community, take a high school curriculum that prepares them for higher education, maintain at least a B average in high school, and apply for state and federal financial aid.

In return for fulfilling the Covenant pledge, each Wisconsin Covenant Scholars will earn a spot in either the University of Wisconsin System, the Wisconsin Technical College System, or at one of the state’s 20 private, nonprofit and independent colleges. As students enter college, they may receive a mix of loans, grants, and work study opportunities based on their family’s financial needs.

In addition, every student who has fulfilled the Wisconsin Covenant pledge and goes on to college in Wisconsin will receive a Wisconsin Covenant Scholar Grant for eight semesters. The private, non-profit Wisconsin Covenant Foundation will provide additional grants for students who complete the pledge. Grants vary from $2,500 to $250 based on the family’s financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Governor Doyle has worked hard to make college more affordable and accessible for all students and their families. Since taking office, Governor Doyle has tripled the amount of financial aid available to students. The Governor has also signed legislation to increase the maximum Wisconsin Higher Education Grant for UW System schools from $2,500 to $3,000 and has expanded the college tuition tax deduction.

For detailed information on the terms of the Wisconsin Covenant and the Wisconsin Covenant Grant Program, visit: http://www.wisconsincovenant.wi.gov.