UW-Green Bay’s Rising Phoenix Program Expands to Two Rivers School District
Program provides pathways to higher education for high school students
Two Rivers, Wis.—The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay’s Rising Phoenix Early College High School Program continues to grow as the Two Rivers School District has signed on to offer students the opportunity to get a head start on earning college credits while academically and personally preparing for college. The program will launch with Two Rivers in Fall 2021.
Rising Phoenix-Two Rivers is the third Rising Phoenix partnership and is modeled after the inaugural cohort of 25 students with the Manitowoc Public School District that launched in Fall 2020. Mishicot High School also announced the launching of a Rising Phoenix program in Fall 2021. The program was created with the goals of reducing college debt, closing the achievement gap and providing advanced learning opportunities for students in Northeast Wisconsin communities.
“We are excited to expand the Rising Phoenix Early College High School Program with the Two Rivers School District,” said UW-Green Bay Chancellor Michael Alexander. “The University is committed to working with our K-12 educational partners to invest in the growth of our region and support an increase in the percentage of students in our communities that have access to higher education. We look forward to building our partnership with the students, teachers and administration in Two Rivers.”
Current Two Rivers High School sophomores will have the opportunity to apply for the Rising Phoenix Programand will be enrolled during their junior and senior years of high school. When admitted to the program, students will be concurrently enrolled at Two Rivers High School and UW-Green Bay, Manitowoc Campus. Rising Phoenix courses are selected to meet Wisconsin high school graduation requirements and the UW-Green Bay Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) degree. Courses will be offered at Two Rivers High School, online and UW-Green Bay, Manitowoc Campus, providing students flexible options to take courses and participate in extra-curricular activities at the high school and on the university campus. These opportunities allow for students to experience college coursework in the familiar environment of their high school and to learn alongside other college students at a college campus.
The goal for participating students is to earn both their high school diploma and get a significant head start on their college degree. Students enrolling in the program will have the opportunity to earn an AAS degree by the time they graduate from Two Rivers High School. Students who complete an AAS degree will have the first two years of a bachelor’s degree completed. The accomplishment will apply whether students decide to continue at UW-Green Bay, transfer to a different college or university or enter the workforce upon graduation with an earned college credential.
The Two Rivers School District is committed to providing equitable access to the program and will cover the full program costs for up to 10 students in a target group that is defined as first generation college students and students with financial need. Other Two Rivers students may apply to the program with the cost shared between the School District and students/families.
“At Two Rivers High School we are striving to ensure students become respectful, responsible and resilient learners empowered for the diverse experiences of life. Part of that mission includes fostering pathways for student success through rigorous and challenging courses that benefit students beyond high school,” said Timothy Engh, Two Rivers High School Principal. “The Rising Phoenix partnership is one way we can achieve that goal while demonstrating our Kids at Hope District philosophy. We are very excited for our students to start engaging with this opportunity.”
The main priorities and advantages of the program are student support and coaching. Every student enrolled will work consistently with UW-Green Bay’s Rising Phoenix Student Success Coach, who will:
- Assist students through the admissions process
- Facilitate academic advising
- Provide social and emotional support
- Serve as a transition specialist upon graduation (college applications, scholarships, FAFSA and financial aid assistance).
“The Two Rivers Public School District is very excited to partner with the Rising Phoenix program,” said Lisa Quistorf, Two Rivers District Administrator. “This partnership provides educational opportunities in higher education for our high school students. Together we will support and guide our students for advancement in their college/career preparedness. We are proud of this partnership. We are TR!”
To learn more about the program, visit the Rising Phoenix website at www.uwgb.edu/rising-phoenix/tworivers .
About the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Established in 1965, UW-Green Bay is a public institution serving 8,970 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students and 79,604 continuing education enrollees each year across all campus locations. We educate students from pre-college through retirement and offer 200+ degrees, programs and certificates. UW-Green Bay graduates are resilient, inclusive, sustaining and engaged members of their communities, ready to rise to fearlessly face challenges, solve problems and embrace diverse ideas and people. With four campus locations, the University welcomes students from every corner of the world. In 2020, UW-Green Bay was the fastest growing UW school in Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.uwgb.edu.
About UW-Green Bay’s Division of Continuing Education and Community Engagement
The Division of Continuing Education and Community Engagement focuses its mission on creating educational opportunity and access for all ages, encompassing K-12 student programs, personal and professional development and customized training to meet the needs of a progressive economy. The division develops, collaborates and executes responsive solutions for diverse communities statewide, all of which reflect a deep commitment to inclusion, social justice and civic responsibility. For more information, visit: www.uwgb.edu/continuing-education
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