Rising Phoenix is a groundbreaking collaboration between school districts and UW-Green Bay, providing students with a future-proofing blend of dual enrollment, ongoing student success coaching and an opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree while still in high school.
Rising Phoenix programs are active and underway in the following high schools:
We are proud to partner with businesses and organizations committed to public-private collaboration and inclusive representation by expanding enrollment in the Rising Phoenix program. By working together, we can build a powerful model for encouraging a diverse community of learners that will make up our future workforce. Joining Forces to Create Opportunity
Rising Phoenix 2023-2024 application is now open. Check GEAR UP or participating schools' webpages for detailed information about steps to apply.
Rising Phoenix gives high school students a head start on college by earning their high school diploma and a two-year Associate of Arts and Sciences degree
Current sophomore students are able to apply and will enroll during their junior and senior years of high school
Eligibility for Rising Phoenix can be adapted to the needs and goals of any school district — partner schools receive a dedicated webpage with specific details
Rising Phoenix takes a synergistic approach to learning to ensure student success.
Every student will work individually and consistently with a Student Success Coach on the admissions steps and academic success.
In collaboration with school counselors, the Student Success Coach will also help students balance college courses with high school life, providing social and emotional support.
Students will learn together as a cohort for their First Year Seminar class where they will learn important skills for college success.
Flexible class schedules will be developed in order to fit individual student needs and their desire to remain in some high school elective classes.
We assess students individually, based on academic and personal backgrounds. We are looking for students who have shown maturity, academic readiness and the grit needed to succeed in college. We also have an equity-based focus of serving students who are underserved and underrepresented in higher education.
A 3.0 GPA may be encouraged but is not necessarily required
If students are eligible for free or reduced lunch
If students demonstrate academic excellence or express an interest in early college
If parents/guardians do not have a bachelor's degree
If students attend school regularly
If students are recommended by high school teachers and school counselors
Below are the typical steps students take towards admission and enrollment into the Rising Phoenix Program. The process can be customized to school requirements.
Application includes submission of personal information, parent/guardian and student expectations form, 3 short essay responses. Example questions:
Two recommendations are suggested, one in a core subject area. Access our online teacher recommendation form.
Student or school counselor submits transcript and attendance record to review committee.
Students are notified of admissions decisions.
Below is an idea of how a new Rising Phoenix program might rollout. We begin with a period of collaboration in order to design a program that fits your needs and aligns with your mission.
"The Rising Phoenix Program was super new, and I wanted to get first-hand college experience, try it out and see how it goes. At Manitowoc, you're a lot closer to your professor. The classes are smaller, and you go more in-depth. It's a lot more focused and personal. I was considering AP courses, but this was much better."
Mason Thao Manitowoc Lincoln High School
With Rising Phoenix, students and schools have access to any of our four locations and online for relevant courses. Explore Our Locations
Visit with Aubrey Schramm to learn how you can create and rollout your own Rising Phoenix Early College High School Program.