Program will allow seniors from three high schools to apply for free at UW-Green Bay
A University of Wisconsin-Green Bay pilot program will allow seniors from three Green Bay Area Public School District high schools to apply to the University at no cost, and also will provide trained application assistance for students during October and November.
Private donors will cover application costs for seniors from Phuture Phoenix partner schools Green Bay East, West and Preble high schools now that the fall 2015 application period has opened, said Jennifer Jones, UW-Green Bay assistant director of Admissions. Students at Green Bay Southwest High School, though not eligible for the free applications, also will be able to take advantage of the special “Hit Submit” application assistance sessions. The UW-Green Bay application fee is $44.
The application pilot program is the latest initiative from UW-Green Bay’s award-winning Phuture Phoenix program, which since 2002 has been increasing the odds that disadvantaged students will graduate from high school and pursue higher education. The program’s fall tour days bring fifth-graders from Title I schools throughout Northeastern Wisconsin to campus, connecting them with UW-Green Bay student mentors who help boost their college aspirations. The mentors work closely with students in grades 6-12, and once they are admitted to UW-Green Bay, these students are eligible for scholarships if they participated in the program’s tour day or tutoring/mentoring components. The Phuture Phoenix Primary Program at Green Bay’s Jefferson and Eisenhower elementary schools starts reinforcing the go-to-college message even sooner, with special programming and other elements beginning in kindergarten.
“This exciting initiative takes the Phuture Phoenix program to yet another level, providing high school seniors with the personal and financial support they need to apply to UW-Green Bay,” said UW-Green Bay Trustee and Phuture Phoenix co-founder Ginny Riopelle. “Thanks to these generous donors, we can show even more students we’re invested — in them, and in their future.”
The program will make a difference for students, added Green Bay district Superintendent Michelle Langenfeld.
“In partnership with UWGB, GBAPS students have participated in a number of Phuture Phoenix programs, affording them the opportunity to learn more about higher education. However, financial barriers have kept some students from achieving their dream of attending a postsecondary school,” Langenfeld said. “By removing these barriers, students who are college, career and community ready can attain their goal of higher education. We are grateful to the UWGB donors whose generosity will make a difference in the lives of GBAPS students.”
The Phuture Phoenix program and UW-Green Bay Admissions, with input from the Green Bay School District, will train a team of 12 UW-Green Bay students who will make up the “Hit Submit” application assistance team. This assistance will be offered during October and November for seniors from any high school who wish to attend any 2-or 4-year college or University. Session times, locations and other information will be provided at a later date.
“Phuture Phoenix continues to look for innovative ways to help more students become college bound,” said Stephanie Cataldo-Pabich, Phuture Phoenix interim director. “This new application team initiative will give assistance to high school seniors by allowing them to work one-on-one with college students on their admissions paperwork. The goal is to help more students apply and get in to the college of their choice.”
Visit www.uwgb.edu/admissions/ or call (920) 465-2111 for more information about visiting or applying to UW-Green Bay. More information about the Phuture Phoenix program is available at www.uwgb.edu/phuturephoenix/.
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