Thanks for posting that justsome1here. I don't see anything in it that suggests a participant should expect a free education. In fact it specifically states information that the aide is based on a family's federally defined financial need.

This covenant went into effect after both of my children were already in high school. It doesn't matter if I held them to the same standards; they get no extra financial aid for doing the same thing. We just have to work harder to get more scholarships and grants because of it. I expected my children to do these things without a government incentive, and they did; both graduating with honors. It would seem the only free rides to college go to athletes who excel in their sport. Have you ever met anyone given a free ride to college because of their academic credentials or community involvement?

These kids can use all the help that they can get to meet the ever rising costs of college education. I am hopeful that my son's adherence to the terms of the covenant will bring additional aid to him, but FAFSA will still play the larger role in getting grants and loans. With FAFSA help, scholarships, and family contributions, my older son was able to obtain a four year degree from UW Madison with about $30,000 in student loans. He was fortunate enough to get a good job with his degree and is well on his way to paying off the loans, but, as you can see, it is not free or easy. Some of his expenses were paid by working summers and vacations for the Gazette. Thank you for giving him the opportunity to work while he worked towards his hope for a secure and prosperous future.

The Wisconsin Covenant Pledge
I pledge that:
•I will graduate from a Wisconsin high school.
•I will maintain at least a B average while in high school.
•I will take classes in high school that will prepare me for entrance into higher education and will meet or exceed college entrance requirements.
•I will demonstrate good citizenship and engage in activities that support my community.
•I will apply for state and federal financial aid in a timely manner.
•I will apply and do all that is necessary to gain admission to a University of Wisconsin system institution, a Wisconsin Technical College, and/or a Wisconsin private college or university.
.
Along the way, I can expect:
•Support from the Wisconsin Covenant Community.
.
When I successfully fulfill all Wisconsin Covenant requirements, I can expect:
•Recognition as a Wisconsin Covenant Scholar.
•A place in a University of Wisconsin system institution,a Wisconsin Technical College, or a Wisconsin private college or university.
•A financial aid package based on my family’s federally-defined financial need.
.
http://wisconsincovenant.wi.gov/docview....

A student stays out of trouble and graduates from high school and that's "doing their part" and not getting a free college education is a "travesty of justice." Perhaps they should be guaranteed jobs with a six figure income upon graduation.

Nothing is free.

The State of the State Address from 2006 Doyle described it as "Students who meet these requirements will receive a financial aid package that meets their full financial need for tuition to any University of Wisconsin system school that they are accepted into." That doesn't sound at all like free tuition, but the wording could possibly be more clear that families who can afford it will be expected to kick in.

When I got the information about it, I never thought it was going to be free. I'm not sure how any parent could think that. Really? Free college for all students that qualify? That's going to happen.

cont. It was always only offering a small amount of money towards college. From what I recall it was $2500 max.

When the program first was announced it stated it was NOT a free ride, but rather a incentive and a promise to help those students who did well in school and stayed out of trouble.

Come on. NOTHING is ever free.

It dependes what the media perceives as what the program is. Media doesn't always tell the truth either. It also depends on how honest the staff and counselors are about the program with the families. Did the families ask the questions and read the fine print? Did the staff and counselors tell the families everything that wasn't written in the paperwork?

After all, it really could be a free ride if the families and students put the brain power and support to the test.

I take it these parents did not watch the news. College/education is never going to be a free ride in the U.S.A. The government figures we should pay to be smart. JMO I know I posted first, I am ducking right now!!