Ashland High School
a new kind of
college prep
High school meets higher education.
The Rising Phoenix Early College High School Program is a transformative partnership between Ashland High School 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 Support
Your Success Coach and school counselor provide support for academics, well-being, planning and post-graduation goals.
Learning & Life
Flexible schedules are tailored to each student, supporting extracurriculars while taking courses.
Grow together
Students grow together, academically and personally, through shared classes and a UWGB First Year Seminar.
Explore What's Possible
If you are interested in learning more about the program to determine if it's a fit, we offer a number of ways to get a preview.
In-Person Information Session
Students, parents, guardians and school staff are invited to attend in-person information session.
| Location | Room | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashland High School | Auditorium | Thursday, March 5th | Advisory at 10:00 am |
Recorded Information Session
Students, parents, guardians and school staff also have the option of watching a recorded session at the link below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We share the answers to the most common questions on our FAQs page. If you need to share this information in Spanish or Hmong, please email our Student Success Coaches Nalani Reyes or Hleeda Vang.
Who is Eligible
Students apply to Rising Phoenix during their sophomore year and, if admitted, enroll during their junior and senior years. UW–Green Bay uses a holistic admissions process, considering academic readiness, maturity, motivation, and a student’s potential to succeed in college. Rising Phoenix is designed to support students who have been traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
Eligibility Requirements
Students must meet the following requirements to apply:
- Currently enrolled in 10th grade at Ashland High School
- A 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher is encouraged
- Students with a 2.75–2.99 GPA will still be considered
- Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 should address their academic performance in the essay and through teacher and/or counselor recommendations
- Demonstrated college readiness, evidenced by: Student essay, high school transcript, strong school attendance record, and two teacher recommendation forms.
- Priority consideration will be given to students who are underrepresented in higher education. This may include, but is not limited to, students who:
- Are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals
- Are first-generation college students (neither parent/guardian has earned a four-year degree)
- Meet other criteria associated with underrepresentation in higher education
*Important note:
Students who do not meet underrepresented criteria are still highly encouraged to apply. Students may be offered admission through the discounted Rising Phoenix Self Pay Pathway, outlined under the cost pathways section.
How to Apply
The Class of 2028 Application is now OPEN!
Priority Application Deadline is Monday, March 16, 2026 at 11:59 PM
There are two steps required by students for each Rising Phoenix application. These can be accomplished in any order. Once either of these steps is completed, we will start an application file for you and will be in touch with updates.
Complete Student Application with Essay
Your online application will require an essay, along with signatures from both the student and a parent or guardian. To prepare for the essay, we provide a list of essay questions.
Request Two Teacher Recommendations
At least one of the recommendations need to be from a core subject area teacher, such as English, math, science or social studies. Please share the recommendation link below with the teachers that you have asked to serve as a reference for you. Their completed responses will be sent directly to our review team.
Transcript & Attendance Records
No student action needed. Our team will request these records directly from your school after we have received your signed application.
Cost Pathways
Two cost pathways are available for the Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) degree, which requires 60 credits. Each applicant’s cost pathway is determined through the admission review process and communicated at the time of admission. Students may then choose whether to accept the pathway offered.
No Cost Pathway
A select group of admitted students who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education will have all program-related costs fully covered through funding secured by UW–Green Bay.
Self-Pay Pathway
A select group of admitted students may be offered the opportunity to participate in the program at a reduced tuition rate beyond the 18 credits covered through the Early College Credit Program (ECCP). This option is referred to as the Rising Phoenix Self-Pay Pathway. Under this pathway, UW–Green Bay will invoice the school district for all program costs. The district will then invoice families for tuition and course materials associated with credits beyond the 18 ECCP credits and affiliated textbook costs that the district covers.
***
Projected Cost per Credit
Rising Phoenix students may take a variety of courses at a reduced tuition rate through UW-Green Bay in pursuit of the Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) degree, which requires 60 credits. Students may also be able to take dual credit courses through other colleges at their high school that will transfer to UW-Green Bay. Through the ECCP program, their school district will cover the costs for the first 18 credits. The remaining ECCP credits will be the responsibility of students and their families. Students average 12-15 credits during fall and spring, 3 credits in January interim and 3-6 credits in summer.
Early College Credit Program (ECCP)
$144.08 per credit*
ECCP is a state-legislated program that covers 18 credits per approved student. Students take UW-Green Bay courses on campus or online with other college students. The school may apply for a 25% reimbursement from the state. ECCP courses are part of the tuition plateau.
College Credit in High School (CCIHS)
$110.00 per credit*
CCIHS offers concurrent enrollment in courses taught by high school teachers approved as UW-Green Bay instructors. Not available at all high schools.
Dual Enrollment Access Academy (Academy)
$200.00 per credit*
The Academy offers concurrent enrollment in online courses taught by UW-Green Bay instructors, open only to high school students.
* Cost per credit based on the 25-26 school year. In addition to the cost per credit, students will be responsible for the additional cost of textbooks and course materials after their district covers the first 18 ECCP credits (approx. $600-$800 per year for a full-time student), student ID ($15), parking permit for Green Bay campus ($110 per semester) and ordering official college transcripts ($15 per transcript).
Have Questions?
Contact Aubrey Schramm, Executive Director of Early College Programs at schramma@uwgb.edu