MILWAUKEE, WI--Governor Jim Doyle, First Lady Jessica Doyle and Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton today joined with more than a thousand eighth grade students and their teachers on college campuses across the state to sign the Wisconsin Covenant – a promise to all eighth-graders that if they work hard in high school and make the grade, they will be assured a place in higher education, and a financial aid package based on a family’s financial need.

Admirals President Jon Greenberg and Roscoe joined the Governor and First Lady Doyle this morning at UW-Milwaukee as they introduced the covenant to about 250 eighth-grade students from around the Milwaukee area.

“This is a promise between the state and our young people, that if they work hard, make the grade, and demonstrate a commitment to their own future, there is a path to a bright future waiting for them when they leave high school,” Governor 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.”

Students, parents, teachers and school administrators can download a copy of the Wisconsin Covenant off of the Wisconsin Covenant Web site – www.wisconsincovenant.wi.gov – where they can learn more about the program and efforts to support students while they are in high school. Schools across the state have used the Wisconsin Covenant as an opportunity to learn about the importance of higher education and the positive impact it can have on their future. Students have until September 14 to sign the Covenant pledge in order to participate.

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.