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GEAR UP Celebrates 100 Rising Phoenix Students

Thursday, May 29, 2025
A large crowd of smiling GEAR UP Rising Phoenix participants gathered at UW-Green Bay for an end-of-year celebration
Some of the GEAR UP Rising Phoenix program particpants gathered at UW-Green Bay to acknowledge their hard work in the program.


Last weekend, GEAR UP recognized 100 students who completed one year of GEAR UP Rising Phoenix! Of those 100 students, 75 participated in the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay Commencement Ceremony, earning their AA degrees. They received their college diploma before their high school diploma! This is the third cohort graduating from this program, the largest one to date.

State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly delivered closing remarks at the ceremony on May 16 in Green Bay, noting the amazing accomplishments of GEAR UP students and congratulating them as they continue in their educational journeys.

Dr. Jill Underly, state superintendent, surrounded by GEAR UP Rising Phoenix staff members at the 2025 recognition ceremony
Dr. Jill Underly, (center, front row) State Superintendent, surrounded by GEAR UP Rising Phoenix staff members at the 2025 recognition ceremony.

The GEAR UP Rising Phoenix Early College High School Program is a collaboration between GEAR UP Target School Districts, the Department of Public Instruction's Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Program (WEOP), and UW-Green Bay to provide high school students an opportunity to get a head start on college. Eligible students will be admitted to the GEAR UP Rising Phoenix Early College High School Program to be enrolled during their junior and senior years. Click here to learn more about the partnership between UWGB and GEAR UP

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