GEAR UP Rising Phoenix
A New Kind of
College Prep
Get a head start on college while in high school at no cost.
The GEAR UP Rising Phoenix Early College High School Program is a collaboration between GEAR UP Target School Districts, Department of Public Instruction's (DPI) Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Program (WEOP) and UW-Green Bay to provide high school students an opportunity to get a head start on college. Eligible students will be admitted to the Rising Phoenix Early College High School Program to be enrolled during their junior and senior years.
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)
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. UW-Green Bay is the higher education partner for the Wisconsin GEAR UP Grant.
Participating Schools
Students must meet GEAR UP and Rising Phoenix Program admissions requirements to enroll. The program will also offer educational opportunities and services through DPI WEOP and UW-Green Bay’s GEAR UP programming that will support student learning, growth and preparation for post-secondary success.
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 School of Career and Technical Education
- Bradley Tech High School
- Hamilton High School
- Milwaukee School of Arts
- Riverside University High School
- South Division High School
- Washington High School of Information Technology
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
Student Benefits
Many students and their families have questions about Rising Phoenix. We share the answers to the most common questions we receive. If you need to share this information in Spanish or another language, please use Google Translate. Check out our FAQs for Students.
Support
Students will work consistently with a Student Success Coach, school counselor and DPI education specialist. They will provide academic and social-emotional support and advise on course selection, major/career exploration, and transition planning upon graduation.
No Cost
There will be no cost to students, families or district as the cost is covered by the Wisconsin GEAR UP Grant.
Flexible Schedules
Flexible class schedules will be developed in order to fit individual student needs, allowing for students to continue to engage in extra-curricular activities. Students will be enrolled in college courses at their high school, online and/or in-person at UW-Green Bay, pending proximity to a campus.
Learn Together
Students will learn and grow together, such as enrolling in the same First Year Seminar course and participating in an optional peer mentor program.
Accessible
UW-Green Bay’s Accessibility Services Office will help students with a documented disability (IEP, 504), with academic accommodations.
Concurrent Graduation
Through the program, students will concurrently fulfill their high school graduation requirements and UW-Green Bay’s Associate of Arts and Sciences degree requirements at the same time.
RISING PHOENIX ORIENTATION
Green Bay Campus
Information Sessions
During active enrollment Zoom or in-person session will be available.
View a recording of a past information session to learn more about the program's benefits and how the program works to determine if it might be a fit for students.
About the AAS Degree
An Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) Degree requires students to complete 60 college credits that include general education courses and an area of emphasis. With an AAS degree, you have essentially completed the first two years of a bachelor’s degree! You can either continue with UW-Green Bay or transfer to another 4-year college or university where your general education requirements will likely be completed. Students are also able to jump right into the workforce with an AAS degree.
Cost Savings Info
The cost of the program will be covered by the GEAR UP Grant. There no will be no cost to students, families or school districts.
| Estimated Cost Savings for Families | Estimated Value* |
|---|---|
| Per Semester (15 College Credits) | Up to $4,337 |
| Completion of Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree (60 College Credits) | Up to $17,348 |
*Savings based on UW-Green Bay tuition rates.
Example Student Schedules
A student’s schedule may include a manageable blend of classes at the high school and online or on a UW-Green Bay Campus, pending proximity.
Online Schedule
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AM Time Block | Work Time for Online UWGB Courses | Work Time for Online UWGB Courses | Work Time for Online UWGB Courses | Work Time for Online UWGB Courses | Work Time for Online UWGB Courses |
| 2nd Hour 9:15-10:15 a.m. | Algebra 2 | Algebra 2 | Algebra 2 | Algebra 2 | Algebra 2 |
| 3rd Hour 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Band | Band | Band | Band | Band |
| PM Time Block | Work Time for Online UWGB Courses | Work Time for Online UWGB Courses | Work Time for Online UWGB Courses | Work Time for Online UWGB Courses | Work Time for Online UWGB Courses |
| After School | Basketball Practice | Basketball Practice | Basketball Practice | Basketball Practice | Basketball Practice |
On Campus Schedule
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 a.m. | |||||
| 8:30 a.m. | Math 101: Advanced Algebra 8:25-9:20 a.m. | Success Coach Check-In 8:30-9:15 a.m. | Math 101: Advanced Algebra 8:25-9:20 a.m. | ||
| 9 a.m. | |||||
| 9:30 a.m. | Human Biol 102: Intro to Human Biology 9:30-10:50 a.m. | Human Biol 102: Intro to Human Biology 9:30-10:50 a.m. | |||
| 10 a.m. | |||||
| 10:30 a.m. | Writing Foundations 100: First Year Writing10:35-11:30 a.m. | Writing Foundations 100: First Year Writing 10:35-11:30 a.m. | |||
| 11 a.m. | |||||
| 11:30 a.m. | |||||
| 12 p.m. | |||||
| 12:30 p.m. | Comm Sci 198: First Year Seminar 12:45-1:40 p.m. | Pol Sci 101: American Government & Politics 12:30-1:50 p.m. | Comm Sci 198: First Year Seminar 12:45-1:40 p.m. 12:45-1:40 p.m. | Pol Sci 101: American Government & Politics 12:30-1:50 p.m. | |
| 1 p.m. | |||||
| 1:30 p.m. | |||||
| 2 p.m. | |||||
| 2:30 p.m. | |||||
| 3 p.m. | Band 2:45-3:30 p.m. | Band 2:45-3:30 p.m. | Band 2:45-3:30 p.m. | Band 2:45-3:30 p.m | Band 2:45-3:30 p.m. |
| 3:30 p.m. |
Eligibility Requirements
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
- At least ONE of the following:
- First generation college student (parents/guardians do not have a bachelor's degree)
- Eligible for free or reduced meals in school
- Racial or ethnic minority
- English language learner
- Student with disability: For information about UW-Green Bay’s accessibility services and documentation requirements, please visit the Student Accessibility Services website.
- Must be a United States citizen or national, permanent resident of the United States, or be able to provide documentation from U.S. Immigration of their intent to become a permanent resident
Rising Phoenix admissions criteria:
- 3.0 cumulative GPA or above
- If student has a 2.75-2.99 GPA, they may be considered; essay responses addressing the GPA and teacher recommendations speaking to GPA will be critical.
- Strong high school attendance record
- Desire to go to college
Application Steps
The GEAR UP Rising Phoenix application serves as a dual application to both the GEAR UP Precollege Program and to UW-Green Bay's Rising Phoenix Program (if you are not already a GEAR UP student).
The GEAR UP Rising Phoenix application is closed for the class of 2026.
But wait! You can still join GEAR UP and participate in all of the services we have available, such as free college credits, college and career exploration workshops, summer camps, field trips, and more!
For the class of 2026, the priority application for the deadline was Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Priority admission will be given to those who submitted all materials by this date. All materials were accepted through the end of the day on Monday, April 1, 2024.
1. Student Application
Please note: Parent/guardian signatures and an essay are required within the application; therefore, we recommend preparing your essay responses prior to starting the online application AND ensuring your parent/guardian is available to sign your application.
Application is closed for the class of 2026.
Please address all 3 of these prompts within your essay (1.5-3 pages, double spaced):
- Why are you interested in participating in the Rising Phoenix Early College High School Program?
- Tell your story about a time when you overcame a significant or personal challenge. Explain the details of the situation and how you handled and work through things, as well as what you learned from the experience.
- As a Rising Phoenix student, you will take college-level coursework at your high school, online, and/or on one of the UW-Green Bay campuses in Green Bay, Manitowoc, Marinette, or Sheboygan. How will you utilize social and academic resources and support during your journey? Please be specific.
2. Teacher Recommendations
Teachers and/or school counselors submit recommendations online. Two recommendations are required, one in a core subject area (English/language arts, math, social studies, science).
Teacher recommendations are closed for the class of 2026.
3. Student Transcripts & Attendance Record
- Green Bay Area Public School and Sheboygan Area School District students: Your school district will provide your high school transcript & attendance record upon submission of your application. No need to request these items from your high school.
- All other school district students: Student, school district staff, or education specialist can provide high school transcript and attendance record. These items can be emailed to gearup@uwgb.edu or uploaded within the online application.
4. Admissions Timeline
The priority application deadline was Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Priority admission will be given to those who submitted all materials by this date. All materials were accepted through the end of the day on Monday, April 1, 2024.
Students are notified of admissions decisions by early April 2024. Admitted students will begin the program in Fall 2024 through their projected graduation in Spring 2026. Students apply as sophomores and are enrolled in the program as juniors and seniors.
Highest Recognition
The UW System Board of Regents honored UW-Green Bay’s Early College Programs with an Academic Staff Excellence Award, recognizing service to the university. The award is the highest recognition bestowed on members of UW-System’s academic staff. Early College Programs advocate thinking creatively and strategically about student engagement and support to ensure retention and success. Rising Phoenix is one of the categories of Early College Programs.
Full (Rising Phoenix)
House
In the mythical realm, a phoenix is a singular entity, but the Chelberg family has redefined this concept, producing not one but four Rising Phoenix graduates—quadruplets Andon, Connor, Grace, and Will.
Andon, Connor, Grace & Will Chelberg
Rising Phoenix Early College High School Program
Questions? Contact Us!
If you have any questions about UW-Green Bay’s GEAR UP Rising Phoenix Program, please contact Aubrey Schramm, Executive Director, Early College Programs. Call or text (920) 412-6649 or email gearup@uwgb.edu