What is PROMISE?
The West Virginia PROMISE (Providing Real Opportunities for Maximizing In-state Student Excellence) Scholarship Program, approved by the Legislature two years ago, offers each West Virginia high school graduate who completes school with a "B" or better grade point average a full-tuition scholarship to a state college or university or an equivalent dollar scholarship to an in-state private college. However, because no money has been appropriated to this program, the scholarships have not been awarded.

The PROMISE Scholarship is based on the student's achievements - not on
his or her parents' financial status, not on the college's resources, not on other factors. The Governor is tying this opportunity, this investment, directly to achievement on the part of the individual.

The Governor's first priority is funding for the PROMISE Scholarship Program.  This will provide each qualified student who works hard and plays by the rules with a scholarship at one of our state colleges or universities, or an equivalent scholarship to be used at a West Virginia private college, technical training center or other accredited program.

The students at Grafton High School give
Governor Wise a BEARCAT WELCOME!

As the Governor was escorted down the aisle of the auditorium the band began to
play and the cheerleaders performed. Superintendent Reynolds began the
program by welcoming and recognizing local politicians, community officials,
Taylor County Board of Education members and Grafton High School Faculty,
Staff and Students.

The President of the 12th Grade Class introduced the Governor.
 Then, the Governor began to explain Keep The Promise by sharing with the
students the amount of money they could earn per hour without a
college education and with one.
 By attending one of our state colleges or universities,
private colleges, technical training schools, or
other accredited programs the students realized they had a
chance at making more money an hour in a job someday.

The students listened as Governor Wise said "education is
crucial to the future of our children and our state.
Working together we are going to
KEEP THE PROMISE!"

The Governor took time after the program to talk to the Grafton High School
Faculty and Staff, the Taylor County Board of Education members, and our community leaders.
We appreciate the time Governor Wise spent with us!

"By putting forth a reward for achievement, we're saying
   to students that working hard, playing by the rules, meeting
tough expectations will earn the opportunity to attend college.
That's a lesson that should ring throughout our educational system."