The results of a 12-month research project are summarized including findings of reservation-based field studies at 12 Indian community colleges in Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The project was conducted to provide the participating colleges with additional experiences in the use of research tools and methodology necessary for accreditation, to update existing institutional data, and to ascertain reservation socio-economic conditions. The project report contains six chapters which present (1) project objectives and activities; (2) the history and evolution of Indian community colleges; (3) the factors affecting economic development on Indian reservations and the role of the colleges in this development; (4) the tribal planning and programming areas through which colleges can coordinate their activities; (5) individual institutional profiles including a description of objectives, clientele, educational programs, and impact studies; and (6) a summary of the accreditation status and planning activities at eight colleges. The report concludes with an evaluation of the project's success in meeting stated objectives, a summary of the importance of colleges in tribal planning as revealed in the project, and a discussion of a further study to increase the role of the community college in tribal development. (Author/JP)