Beginning on May 10, eighth grade students around the state will have an opportunity to sign the Wisconsin Covenant.

The Wisconsin Covenant is a three-part pledge between Wisconsin students, Wisconsin’s institutions of higher education, and the state. Students that sign the pledge agree to graduate from a Wisconsin high school; maintain a B average; take college preparatory classes; apply for financial aid; and demonstrate good citizenship.

Students that meet these goals can expect a place in a University of Wisconsin system institution, a Wisconsin technical college, or a Wisconsin private college or university and a financial aid package based on financial need. Students will also be provided with the support services during high school that are necessary to meet the Covenant’s goals.

Several technical colleges around the state will be holding signing ceremonies on Covenant Day. Governor Jim Doyle and First Lady Jessica Doyle are expected at Madison Area Technical College on May 10. Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton is scheduled to speak at Nicolet Area Technical College, also on May 10. Gateway and Northcentral technical colleges will also be holding events on May 11.

Current Wisconsin eighth graders will have until September 14 th, 2007 to sign the Covenant pledge. Next year’s eighth graders can begin signing the pledge in fall, 2007.