MADISON â?? A $40 million donation announced Thursday will help low-income Wisconsin students attend college if they meet academic and service requirements during high school.
The gift from the Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation, a leader in the student loan industry, gives a major financial boost to the Wisconsin Covenant program.
The program asks eighth-graders to promise to earn a B average in high school, take courses to prepare for college, stay out of trouble and perform community service work. In return, the state promises them a spot at one of its universities or technical colleges and a financial aid package based on their familyâ??s needs.