Sustaining and strengthening tribal cultures, languages and traditions is at the core of every tribal college's mission statement. To help attain these goals, many colleges use one of Indian Country's greatest assets--its elders. Traditionally, elders hold a place of honor in American Indian society. Without cultural input from elders,…

Student teachers and college students were trained to be primary mentors to gifted/talented/creative junior high students, while community resources served as secondary mentors. Mentors worked with students on enrichment projects emphasizing higher-level thinking. Described are protege selection, matching with mentors, mentor training and…