Rising Phoenix
Dream Big
Rise Higher
Early College High School Program Overview
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.
Class of 2027 Timeline
The Rising Phoenix application for the Class of 2027 has closed.
The priority application deadline was March 18, 2025. See your program or school's web page for more information.
Current Partners
Powerful Partnerships
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
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.
Head start
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
Peer Learning
Current sophomore students are able to apply and will enroll during their junior and senior years of high school
Adaptable
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
A Synergistic Approach to Learning
Rising Phoenix takes a synergistic approach to learning to ensure student success.
Student Success Coach
Every student will work individually and consistently with a Student Success Coach on the admissions steps and academic success.
Social & Emotional Support
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.
Learning Together
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
Flexible class schedules will be developed in order to fit individual student needs and their desire to remain in some high school elective classes.
Holistic Process
Our Approach to Admissions.
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.
Grade Point Average
A 3.0 GPA may be encouraged but is not necessarily required
Financial Need
If students are eligible for free or reduced lunch
College Readiness
If students demonstrate academic excellence or express an interest in early college
First Generation
If parents/guardians do not have a bachelor's degree
Attendance
If students attend school regularly
Recommendations
If students are recommended by high school teachers and school counselors
Student Pathway
Application Process for Students
Below are the typical steps students take towards admission and enrollment into the Rising Phoenix Program. The process can be customized to school requirements.
Student Application
Application includes submission of personal information, parent/guardian and student expectations form, 1 essay addressing 3 question prompts (1.5-2 pages total for essay). Example questions:
- 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 worked 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.
Teacher Recommendations
Two recommendations are required, one in a core subject area. Access to our online teacher recommendation forms can be found within each program or district's website.
Student Transcripts and Attendance Record
Student or school counselor submits transcript and attendance record to review committee.
Admissions
Students are notified of admissions decisions.
Rollout
Example Program Launch Schedule
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.
One Year Prior to the Start of First Cohort
| Timeframe | Activity | Description | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| September/October | Collaboration | School district and UW-Green Bay staff discuss district goals, budget, timeline, admissions, and overall structure of Rising Phoenix | Meetings, emails, final program agreement |
Launch Program
| Timeframe | Activity | Description | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | Announcement | School district and UW-Green Bay announce Rising Phoenix program internally to teachers, faculty, and staff | Meetings, emails |
| December January/February | Communication | External communication to students and families | Website, press release, postcard, UW-Green Bay info sessions, individual student meetings |
| January | Application Opens | UW-Green Bay creates a dedicated school Rising Phoenix webpage | Webpage |
| March | Application Review | UW-Green Bay and school form a review committee to evaluate applications | Review of submitted materials, recommendations and student interviews |
Student Cohort Finalized
| Timeframe | Activity | Description | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| April/May | Student Orientation | Admitted students are notified and begin working with Student Success Coach and school counselors for orientation and class scheduling | 1:1 meetings, emails |
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
Access Nearby
With Rising Phoenix, students and schools have access to any of our four locations and online for relevant courses.
Explore Our Locations
Request a Consultation
Visit with Aubrey Schramm to learn how you can create and rollout your own Rising Phoenix Early College High School Program.