In the creation of CERT the Tribal leaders in 1975 established a major commitment for the education and development of the Tribal human resource to match the vision they held for the development of a prosperous Tribal economy through prudent use of their energy resources. With the guidance and active participation of Tribal leaders, CERT’s Comprehensive Indian Education Program achieved unprecedented success in motivating and empowering recent Indian high school graduates to navigate the culture shock of college and successfully meet the academic challenge as well. Emphasis of the CERT program is the strength and wisdom of our ancient Tribal cultures that have guided countless generations into time immemorial and trusting those values to guide us into the future as well. Once through the program, the student discovers the larger purpose for success in college and finds the strength and determination to succeed. And when these reasons are rooted in the future of the people rather than in their individual ego of the student there is no need to insist that they sign contracts to return to serve; service becomes their nature as it is the nature of Tribal community life. The CERT Indian Education Program found that virtually 80% of the high school graduates that went through the CERT program the summer before entering college, graduated with a college degree. This is one of, if not the highest, retention-graduation rate of any Indian education program anywhere.

For over 20 years, CERT with the support of its member Tribes and private companies, has operated on contributions from Tribes and American energy companies through the American Spirit Award Dinner and the Pueblo Challenge golf tournament sponsored by the CERT member Pueblo Tribes of New Mexico and companies that do business with them.

However, fundraising has been outstripped by rising education costs. As a result, CERT, its member Tribes and the educational institutions that have allied with CERT have temporarily suspended the summer session and are working to develop a new operational finance model upon which the program can be sustained. Money raised for the CERT education program continues to support the scholars and financial assistance provided to the college students.

Look for announcements of new innovations in providing the philosophical and logistical support to Indian students from CERT education! Strategies change with time and circumstance but commitment and principles do not.