2 early college schools opening their doors

Still, AMES, the first of the six, began its first year with 38 percent minorities and around a 50/50 gender ratio in its student population. And 30 percent of the students would be the first generation in their family to attend college.

Principals of the high schools say it's all about strategic recruitment — making sure target groups are aware and understand the opportunities the schools offer.

Al Church, principal of AMES, said his school made more than 40 presentations to community groups and organizations in the target population. AMES also worked closely with the Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement organization, a statewide public education program that works to target students interested in math, science, and technology-related studies with the goal to increase the number of underserved ethnic minorities and female students in those areas.

Itineris and NUAMES followed suit. Gary Reed, principal of NUAMES, said they also put $13,000 into both Spanish and English brochures along with meeting with the districts to identify students who wouldn't normally consider the school.

"We aren't after the cheerleader, the 4.0 (kids), the student leaders or the athletes," Reed said. "We were looking for kids who you wouldn't normally see here."

Though official enrollment statistics won't be available until later, Reed said they have about 40 percent girls and around 28 percent to 30 percent minorities.

"We were a little disappointed about the (gender ratio) but feel good about the (minority) representation," Reed said. The number is significantly higher than both Davis and Weber minority percentages.

Ultimately the schools will cap enrollment at 400 students in order to keep classes and teacher-student ratios low.

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E-mail: terickson@desnews.com