"The Wisconsin Covenant encourages students to start thinking about the grades they need, the classes they should take and the role they need to play in their community, starting on day one of high school," Doyle said in a news release put out in September urging high school freshmen to sign on. "If students work hard and fulfill the pledge, we will make sure they have a place in higher education and a financial aid package based on their family's need."

If the Covenant scholars follow those guidelines — and earn at least a B average in high school — they are guaranteed spots in the University of Wisconsin System, the state technical college system or one of the state's 20 private colleges.

In March of last year Doyle released the details of his Covenant program, with some complaining it didn't go nearly far enough in helping students attain a college degree.

Students who come from families with an income of about $25,000 or less are to get annual grants of $2,500. Meanwhile, those from families making about $40,000 or less get $1,500 and those from homes bringing in up to $80,000 get $1,000. But the program will only deliver $250 for those from families making more than $80,000. Those income levels are only estimates, as other factors — including the number of children in college — also are to be considered.