This booklet focuses on independent colleges and universities known as "minority institutions" that have served historically underrepresented groups and have provided a major route to successful jobs, careers, and professions for a significant proportion of minority youth. Following an introduction, the first of two sections asks "What is a Minority Institution?" It offers a definition of a minority institution as one that has a special sense of mission, sometimes historical, toward minority students and acts accordingly. This section goes on to explore the demography and character of these institutions including the following: (1) history and mission; (2) location; (3) value-added approach; (4) efficiency and productivity; and (5) a leadership development approach. A model for cultural pluralism is included. The second main section argues for a government policymakers' agenda aimed at supporting and recognizing the role of minority institutions including the following: (1) fiscal support; (2) institutional partnerships; (3) articulation agreements with junior and community colleges; and (4) corporate support. An appendix lists 117 minority institutions with information on percentage of minority enrollment, institutional network affiliation, state, and full-time enrollment. (JB)