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Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle Column
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Wisconsin Covenant - A Path to Higher Education
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Carla Vigue, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
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As eighth graders across the state are busily preparing for the end of the
school year, I hope each of you will take some time to stop and think about
your future. Before you begin your summer job or your summer ball league, I
encourage you to discuss with your families the upcoming school year and
your plans for education after high school.
I don’t want any young person thinking that college isn’t for them, that
it’s only for rich people, or that because their parents didn’t go, they
can’t go. Whether you want to become a teacher or an engineer, or you plan
to work in exciting new fields in biotech and health care, or even if you
aren’t sure what job is right for you, a successful high school career will
open up opportunities for higher education that will provide many future
possibilities.
As Governor, I want to help you reach your highest potential. That’s why we
created the Wisconsin Covenant to help young people plan early for a
successful high school career that will lead to higher education. The
Wisconsin Covenant is a simple set of expectations and promises between
eighth grade students and institutions of higher education in Wisconsin. By
the fall of their freshman year of high school, students may sign the
Covenant pledge and commit to reaching three goals: completing the classes
they need to graduate and prepare for higher education, maintaining a “B”
average, and being a good citizen.
In return for keeping the Covenant pledge, each of the 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. In addition, we will hold up our end of
the bargain to provide financial assistance to meet their family’s
determined needs. The Covenant message is clear: higher education is in the
reach of every hard-working student in Wisconsin, regardless of financial
circumstances.
Last year was a tremendous year for the Wisconsin Covenant. The hard work of
teachers, parents, and students across the state resulted in over 17,000
eighth graders representing all 72 counties signing the Covenant Pledge. The
Wisconsin Covenant Foundation was also established to help qualifying
students with the cost of higher education. Through the generosity of
private donors to the Covenant Foundation, we were able to secure a $40
million endowment by the Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation.
In addition, we put the state on pace to triple the amount of financial aid
available since I took office.
Youth represent the future of Wisconsin, and every day I see the great
potential of the aspiring young people across the state. I want every young
person to know that you have the opportunity to pursue your dream of higher
education, and the Wisconsin Covenant is a plan to help you get there. I
hope all eighth graders will take the time to discuss their future with
their families and consider signing the Covenant pledge.
Current eighth graders have the opportunity to sign the Covenant pledge
through September 30, 2008. More information is available by visiting
www.wisconsincovenant.wi.gov
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Office of the Governor
115 East State Capitol
Madison, WI 53702
608-266-1212
608-267-6790 (TTY)
608-267-8983 (FAX)
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If you have any suggestions,
corrections, contributions or anything you would like to comment on, please
email me.
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