This book examines the transformative impact of the Native American Higher Education Initiative (NAHEI) on Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) across the United States. It details how NAHEI, a W.W. Kellogg Foundation project, fostered centers of excellence that redefined educational leadership and post-secondary learning models within TCUs. The authors translate the program's insights into an adaptable framework for educators, administrators, policymakers, scholars, and foundations to enhance the educational experiences of both native and non-native learners.

The book is presented as a practical translation of knowledge gained from the NAHEI programs, aiming to be useful for a broad audience involved in education. Its focus on centers of excellence and new models of learning suggests an emphasis on innovative pedagogical approaches and leadership within indigenous educational institutions. The authors' intent to make this knowledge adaptable indicates a desire to influence educational practices and policy beyond the immediate scope of the NAHEI project.