Rising Phoenix Launches Year Two of Collaboration Between UW-Green Bay & Manitowoc Lincoln High School

An inaugural Rising Phoenix Program in 2020 between UW-Green Bay and Manitowoc Lincoln High School was so successful, a second cohort of juniors will begin the Rising Phoenix program in Fall of 2021.

Rising Phoenix is an early college high school program, providing students dual enrollment in high school and the University, ongoing student success coaching and the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and their Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) degree upon graduation from high school, jumpstarting their college or vocational careers.

“We are so excited to continue our partnership with UW-Green Bay by providing another 25 students with this tremendous opportunity,” said Lee Thennes, Manitowoc Lincoln Principal. “We also want to celebrate the success of our current Rising Phoenix students who just completed their first semester. The support they get from their Student Success Coach and our team of School Counselors is amazing.” 

Rising Phoenix students will enroll in Manitowoc Lincoln High School and UW-Green Bay, Manitowoc Campus, taking courses that can concurrently earn a high school diploma and AAS degree. The AAS degree offers students an opportunity to explore courses within an emphasis, which will fulfill general education requirements for a major in college or serve students in achieving their next level career goals.

In Fall 2020, twenty-five Rising Phoenix students demonstrated academic readiness, grit, and perseverance during their first semester of college while still in high school. Students worked closely with a Student Success Coach in close collaboration with Manitowoc Lincoln School Counselors, supporting students academically and socially. This support was critical in a year when students had to face the additional challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Carson Goetz, current Rising Phoenix student, had this to say, “It has been an awesome experience to be a part of the Rising Phoenix program. Being in this program allows for a smooth transition into the college experience while still having support at Lincoln. I have been blown away by the people involved in the program who are so helpful and caring for student’s individual needs. The student success coach, the school counseling team, the professors, teachers, and administrators at Lincoln, and lots of others really make this program a great way to jumpstart your college journey. The Rising Phoenix allowed for me to learn so much about how to set myself up for success.” 

Another current Rising Phoenix student, Anthony Holschbach, echoes, “I have been touched by the Rising Phoenix program. It has made an incredible impact on my life. I found some of my biggest weaknesses and found out how to handle them and come out better! This has been life changing and in one semester I have learned more than I could have ever imagined. This program and campus have made me a better person and gave me confidence in myself again.”

The Manitowoc Public School District and UW-Green Bay are committed to closing the achievement gap for student groups who are traditionally underserved and underrepresented in higher education. Rising Phoenix with the Manitowoc Public School District is offered at no cost to students or families due to the school district’s commitment to paying for tuition and textbooks. Tuition rates are reduced through state legislation and UW-Green Bay’s dual enrollment programs.

Learn more about the Rising Phoenix Early College High School Program at www.uwgb.edu/rising-phoenix or contact Meagan Strehlow, Executive Director of K-12 and Community Engagement, at [email protected] or 920-465-2716.