Independent Pathway
A New Kind of
College Prep
Get a head start on college while in high school.
The Rising Phoenix Early College High School Program is an innovative program to provide promising high school students an opportunity to get a head start on college by earning their high school diploma and a two-year Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) degree. The Independent Pathway is intended for students who attend a high school without a Rising Phoenix cohort or can't be admitted due to school district cohort size limitations or have been individually selected by their district to participate.
Student Benefits
Many students and their families have questions about Rising Phoenix. We share the answers to the most common questions we receive. Check out our FAQs for Students page. If you need to share this information in Spanish or another language, please use Google Translate.
Student Success Coach
Students will work with a Student Success Coach and school counselor. They will provide academic support, advise on course selections and connect students to high school and UW-Green Bay resources to support student success in the program.
Cost
Students can utilize the 18 credits covered by their district through the Early College Credit Program. UW-Green Bay will help students and school districts identify cost estimates and possible funding for the remaining 42 credits to earn their associate degree which are often the responsibilities of students and their families.
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 similar coursework to other dually enrolled students and getting a jump start on supporting coursework classes in their area of interest.
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
Virtual Information Sessions
Students, parents/guardians and school staff are invited to learn more about how the program works and discuss the program’s benefits to determine if it is a fit for the student. Join us for a Zoom session!
- Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Eligibility Criteria
Students apply as sophomores and are enrolled in the program as juniors and seniors.
UW-Green Bay will facilitate a holistic admissions process, assessing students individually based on academic and personal backgrounds. We are looking for students who have shown the maturity, academic readiness, and a genuine desire to succeed in college. Rising Phoenix is designed to support students traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
Students must meet the following requirements:
- Currently enrolled in 10th Grade at an area high school
- 3.0 GPA average or above will be encouraged, although not required
- Demonstration of academic excellence or college readiness
- School attendance
- Recommendations by high school teachers and school counselors
- Expression of interest in an early college opportunity
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 Info
Students can utilize the 18 credits covered by their district through the Early College Credit Program. UW-Green Bay will help students and school districts identify cost estimates and possible funding for the remaining 42 credits to earn their associate degree which are often the responsibilities of students and their families.
Let's Talk Costs (or Cost Savings)!
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. The funding that is provided by the school district and/or third party varies by program.
| Course Type | Description | Per Credit Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Early College Credit Program (ECCP)* | State legislated program - Students take UW-Green Bay courses on campus or online with other college students. School may apply for a 25% reimbursement from the State if they are covering the costs. | $112.36 per credit + textbook costs *ECCP courses are part of the tuition plateau |
| College Credit in High School (CCIHS) | Concurrent Enrollment - Courses taught at the high school by high school teachers approved as UW-Green Bay instructors. Not available at all high schools. | $110 per credit + textbook costs |
| Dual Enrollment Access Academy | Online courses taught by UW-Green Bay instructors, open only to high school students. | $200.00 per credit + textbook costs |
* Per state legislation, school districts cover a minimum of 18 ECCP credits per eligible student. The Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree requires a total of 60 credits. Students average 12-15 credits in fall and spring, 3 credits during January interim, and 3-6 credits in summer. Additional costs may include course supplies, student ID, parking permit for Green Bay campus, and college transcripts.
Next Steps
Interested in the Rising Phoenix Independent Pathway?
If you're ready to learn more and stay informed about application details, express your interest by completing our online form. A member of our team will connect with you to provide additional information and guide you through the next steps.
Need help?
Please contact Adam Landenberger, Associate Director, Dual Enrollment Services at landenba@uwgb.edu or (920) 366-8598.