Jumpstart Your College Path
Enroll in a college degree-seeking program while in high school.
As the only program of its kind in Wisconsin, Rising Phoenix gives you the opportunity to earn your high school diploma and an Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree, equating to 60 college credits, from UW-Green Bay, all by the end of your senior year! Our program extends beyond college credit, though. You can save more than $10,000 in future college tuition costs and get a real head start on your future. You'll also have a dedicated Student Success Coach to support you throughout the program, help you navigate college courses, and explore majors and career pathways that match your goals.
Rising Phoenix Outcomes
Statistics show Rising Phoenix graduates are thriving academically and choosing to further their education.
3.38 Average GPA
Rising Phoenix students achieve an average GPA of 3.38 in their college-level courses at UW-Green Bay, and 86% complete the program.
81% Earn an Associate's
Students earn an average of 60 college credits, and 81% of Rising Phoenix graduates earn an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree while still in high school.
76% Pursue a Bachelor's
More than three out of four Rising Phoenix graduates go on to pursue bachelor’s degrees at one of the Universities of Wisconsin's 13 colleges.
Personal Support, Custom Program
The Rising Phoenix Program fits your needs, so you can still enjoy high school.
Throughout the program, you'll have a dedicated Student Success Coach who will help you figure out your customized plan depending on your goals. You can choose courses from our three campus locations and online options, and view how our courses may meet high school graduation requirements by consulting our course alignment guide. Often, you'll be in class with UW-Green Bay students and other Rising Phoenix students. Depending on your needs, you may take college courses at your high school, on a UW-Green Bay campus, online or through a combination of these options.
Our School Partners
We partner long-term with schools to design programs uniquely tailored to your educational goals. If your school is not a partner with us, we'll reach out to your school once you fill out an interest form.
Program Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Rising Phoenix program, you'll need to meet the following requirements:
- 3.0 cumulative GPA. 2.75-2.99 GPA will be considered based on your essay and teacher/counselor recommendations.
- College readiness evidenced through student essay, transcript, strong school attendance and two recommendations.
- Enrolled in 10th grade at the time of application. If admitted, you will participate in the Rising Phoenix Program during your junior and senior years of high school.
- Must attend a participating high school or express interest so we may connect with your high school to discuss this program opportunity!
The Rising Phoenix application opens on January 11, 2027, for high school sophomores, and the deadline to apply is March 17, 2027. As part of the process, you will complete an application and essay, submit teacher recommendation forms, and have your high school transcript and attendance record reviewed. Specific application requirements for each school are outlined by school on our Partner Schools page.
Invest Now,
Save Later
By participating in the Rising Phoenix Program, you can save over $10,000 in tuition alone. When you factor in other traditional college expenses- such as housing, food, supplies and other costs, your total savings could exceed $38,000! What will Rising Phoenix cost you? It depends on your school and its funding pathway. At minimum, participating school districts cover the cost of 18 of the 60 college credits earned through the program. Some schools or third-party funding sources may cover additional credits or even the full cost of the program. Visit your school's page to see the funding available to you and any costs you may be responsible for.
Balancing Dreams
With Opportunity
For Steven Concepcion, achieving personal success has always been about finding the right equation—one that balances dreams with opportunity. He enrolled in the inaugural GEAR UP Rising Phoenix program in Fall 2021 to turbocharge his college journey.
Access Mission
The Rising Phoenix Program is breaking barriers in Wisconsin—driven by a mission to expand access and close opportunity gaps by empowering underrepresented students with intensive college support and a clear path to higher education success.
Spanish & Hmong Videos
To learn more about the Rising Phoenix Program in Hmong or Spanish, check out a short 5-minute video.
En Español
Para obtener más información sobre el programa de Rising Phoenix en español, vea este video corto.
Hmong
Yog xav paub thiab kawm txog Rising Phoenix, thov nyias nkag mus saib peb daim video ntawm no.
Frequently Asked Questions
Earning college credit in high school is an important opportunity, but it can be confusing if you're navigating college for the first time. Below are frequently asked questions, but if you're still unsure, get in touch with our team.
How does dual enrollment work?
As a Rising Phoenix student, you'll be a high school student and a UW-Green Bay student at the same time. Many of your UW-Green Bay courses will also meet your high school graduation requirements. By the end of your senior year, you can earn both your high school diploma and an Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) degree from UW-Green Bay.
Will courses appear on my high school and college transcripts?
Yes. Any courses you take at UW-Green Bay will go both on your high school transcript and UW-Green Bay transcript. Any courses you take at your high school will just go on your high school transcript. When applying to colleges during your senior year, you will need to send both transcripts to the college you’re applying to.
Do classes and grades count as real college courses and credits?
Yes! Your transcript at UW-Green Bay will look just like any other UW-Green Bay transcript. This transcript will be a part of your permanent academic record, which means you need to send it any time you apply to a college or university. If you do well in rigorous courses here, that can help you for other college admissions. Your courses will be with you as you continue, whether at UW-Green Bay or somewhere else. If you don't do well in your courses, those grades still stay with you and may affect college admissions decisions and/or financial aid.
Can I still participate in extracurricular activities at my high school?
Yes! You'll work closely with the student success coach and your school counselor to create a schedule that fits your needs, which can include band, choir, other courses and athletics. You can also participate in clubs, organizations and other fun activities on a UW-Green Bay campus.
Request a Consultation
Visit with Aubrey Schramm, Executive Director, Early College Programs, to learn how you can create your own Rising Phoenix Early College High School Program.