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He signed the Wisconsin Covenant, which guarantees if he maintains a B average in high school and stays out of trouble he’ll have a place and financial aid to attend college in Wisconsin.
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Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle speaks Monday to students, parents, teachers and administrators at Onalaska High School about the Wisconsin Covenant college education program. The program promises students who sign the covenant that they will be assured a place in higher education and a financial aid package based on their family's financial need if they maintain a B average and are good citizens throughout high school.
PETER THOMSON photo
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“I think the covenant will make me work harder,” said Kramer, 14. “I’m going to put a lot of effort into my assignments and study for my tests.”
Gov. Jim Doyle was at Onalaska High School on Monday to encourage about 20 incoming ninth-graders students to sign before the Sept. 14 deadline.
“This is all about trying to find ways to help you succeed,” Doyle told the students, several parents and employees at the school.
The Wisconsin Covenant puts in writing that anyone willing to work hard and commit themselves can aim for college, Doyle said.
“Not only will this promise bring higher education within reach to more of our students, it will make high school more meaningful by arming our students with resources and motivation to succeed,” Doyle said.
Doyle’s proposed budget earlier this year included $44 million in increased financial aid for higher education.
The Republican-controlled Assembly and Democrat-controlled Senate each have passed separate versions of the budget, with the Senate version eliminating the governor’s funding proposal.
A conference committee made up of Democrats and Republicans from both the Assembly and Senate is expected to begin work this week on a compromise budget.
The pledge requires students earn a high school diploma, participate in their community, take a high school curriculum that prepares them for higher education, maintain a B average in high school and apply in a timely manner for state and federal financial aid.
In return, each Wisconsin Covenant Scholar will have a spot in the University of Wisconsin system, the Wisconsin Technical Colleges or at one of the state’s private colleges.
Doyle anticipates about 10,000 ninth-graders this fall will sign the agreement by the September deadline. Students entering eighth grade will begin signing the covenant later this fall.
The Wisconsin Covenant is a partnership between the University of Wisconsin System, the Wisconsin Technical College System, the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and the state Department of Public Instruction.
Autumn Grooms can be reached at (608) 791-8424 or agrooms@lacrossetribune.com.
