Gov. Jim Doyle and other state officials are touring the state for Wisconsin Covenant Days this week and next week.
Doyle plans to speak Wednesday at UW-Green Bay and Marquette University about the Wisconsin Covenant program, which offers college funds to students around the state who fulfill a promise to achieve good grades and upstanding citizenship throughout high school.
According to Adam Collins, Doyle's spokesperson, Doyle will address middle school students about the importance of the program.
""It's a really important program to help students and families find the funds to make college more affordable,"" Collins said.
The program, a Doyle administration initiative, could be in jeopardy if the next governor decides to discontinue it before his final term runs out next year.
Both Republican gubernatorial candidates Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and former congressman Mark Neumann have indicated they may not continue the program, citing a lack of funding, according to interviews in March.
Collins said the state has already budgeted $25 million per year to fund grants for the program's current and future participants.
""I can't imagine a candidate for governor would want to slam the doors of higher education shut on 50,000 kids and more in the future,"" he said.
According to Phil Walzak, Democratic candidate Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett's spokesperson, ""Barrett loves the intent of the Wisconsin Covenant, but would obviously review the program and make any changes after taking office.""
