GEAR UP Rising Phoenix
A New Kind of
College Prep
High school meets higher education.
The GEAR UP Rising Phoenix Early College High School Program is a transformative partnership between GEAR UP target school districts, Department of Public Instruction's (DPI) Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Program (WEOP) and UW-Green Bay—redefining what’s possible for high school students. Through dual enrollment, personalized student success coaching and a rigorous academic pathway, students can earn both a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree—all by the end of their senior year.
Receive Impactful Support
Students receive consistent, personalized support from a UW-Green Bay Success Coach, their school counselor and DPI education specialist—guiding academic progress, emotional well-being, course planning, career exploration and post-graduation transitions.
Balance School, College & Life
Flexible schedules will be tailored to each student—supporting extracurriculars while taking college courses at student's high school, online or UW-Green Bay, subject to campus proximity.
Grow
together
Students will grow together—academically, professionally and personally—through shared classes and a First Year Seminar with UW-Green Bay.
Wisconsin GEAR UP
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) assists low-income, first-generation and/or traditionally underrepresented students in obtaining a high school diploma and preparing for and succeeding in postsecondary education.
GEAR UP & UW-Green Bay
UW-Green Bay partners with the Wisconsin GEAR UP grant to expand educational opportunities for eligible students. Through this collaboration, GEAR UP students can access UW-Green Bay’s Rising Phoenix program along with other pathways to higher education.
Who is Eligible
Students apply as high school sophomores and are enrolled in the program as juniors and seniors.
Students must first meet GEAR UP eligibility requirements and then meet our Rising Phoenix admission criteria.
GEAR UP Eligibility Requirements
- Currently enrolled in 10th Grade in a GEAR UP target high school
- Must meet additional eligibility requirements detailed on the GEAR UP website
Rising Phoenix Criteria
- 3.0 cumulative GPA or above encouraged, however, a 2.75-2.99 GPA will also be considered. Ensure essay and teacher/counselor recommendations address GPA.
- Demonstration of college readiness evidenced through student essay, transcript strong school attendance and two (2) recommendations
Cost Pathway
No Cost
For students graduating all years through 2027, there is no cost for UW-Green Bay courses for a target group of students who meet eligibility criteria and attend a GEAR UP target school. All costs are covered by the Wisconsin GEAR UP grant. The Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) degree requires 60 credits.
Participating Schools
Ashland High School
Bayfield High School
Green Bay Area Public Schools
- Green Bay Preble High School
- Green Bay East High School
- Green Bay Southwest High School
Milwaukee Public Schools
- Barack Obama High School
- Bradley Tech High School
- Hamilton High School
- Milwaukee High School of the Arts
- Riverside University High School
- South Division High School
- Washington High School of IT
Shawano Community High School
Sheboygan Area School District
- George D. Warriner High School
- Sheboygan North High School
- Sheboygan South High School
Wausau School District
- Wausau East High School
- Wausau West High School
a Balanced
Portfolio
“I like numbers,” admits Vanessa Abella-Martinez. And if those numbers are associated with accumulating wealth (for herself and clients), all the better. Life, in her view, is like a well-balanced portfolio of pursuits. She recognizes that wise investments can extend beyond money to include a college education.
Vanessa Abella-Martinez
Preble High School, Green Bay
Have Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact Sam Post, GEAR UP Rising Phoenix Program Manager. Call or text (920) 366-9025 or email gearup@uwgb.edu