In The News

Letter from Governor regarding Wisconsin Covenant
3/5/2010
Dear Business Leader,

As you well know, a solid education is the key to a strong workforce. Whether our young people pursue a certificate program at a technical college, an undergraduate or an advanced degree, Wisconsin’s economic development depends on our efforts to move all of our students successfully through elementary, middle and high school and into postsecondary jobs.
That is why I am excited to inform you that that over 50,000 Wisconsin students have taken a positive step toward achieving those necessary skills by signing the Wisconsin Covenant pledge in eighth grade. By accepting the Wisconsin Covenant challenge these students have made a commitment to themselves, their school, and community.

I know the citizens of Wisconsin are extremely proud of the work that Wisconsin Covenant students are doing and will do as future leaders. But we recognize that sometimes, even with financial aid, it is still very difficult for families to afford college costs. I am pleased to announce an administrative rule that makes higher education affordable for every student who answers the Wisconsin Covenant challenge.

All Wisconsin Covenant students who complete the Pledge and go on to a Wisconsin college or university will receive the Wisconsin Covenant Scholars Grant for up to eight semesters. The grants, in conjunction with all the other state and federal financial aid, will be based on a family’s income and financial need.
In the upcoming days, you can learn about the details of this grant on the Office of the Wisconsin Covenant website: wisconsincovenant.wi.gov. 

In addition to the Wisconsin Covenant Scholars Grant, our partners in the Wisconsin Covenant Community are committed to providing Wisconsin Covenant students with a variety of programs to help forge a smooth transition to higher education.

This community includes the UW System, the Wisconsin Technical College System, the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and the Wisconsin Covenant Foundation.

Together they are offering opportunities to Wisconsin Covenant pledge signers, including:
• The UW System will offer families one-one-one financial aid counseling;
• Through the Wisconsin Mentor website, the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities will help students access an e-workbook that will help him them find the college that is the right fit; and
• The Wisconsin Technical College System's Dual Credit Opportunities will help students earn college credits during high school that count toward a technical college degree.

And to ensure success for Wisconsin Covenant students when they arrive on campus, the community partners are committed to taking major steps to help including ensuring Wisconsin Covenant students a spot in one of our state’s outstanding universities or colleges.

I know that you may still have questions about this announcement or Wisconsin’s efforts to get our students on the path to college. At any time, please feel free to contact the Office of the Wisconsin Covenant (wisconsincovenant@wi.gov or 1-866-967-9389). Like me, they are here to helping Wisconsin’s youth succeed in their college goals.

Sincerely,
Jim Doyle Governor
File:
Governor Doyle's Letter about Wisconsin Challenge