Dissertation
A case study exploring the experiences of Native American tribal college and university students enrolled in advanced manufacturing through the Advanced Manufacturing Network Initiative educational pathway
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
17 Feb 2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00011301
Abstract
This qualitative case study explored the experiences of Native American Tribal College and University (TCU) students enrolled in the American Indian Higher Education Consortium's Advanced Manufacturing Network Initiative (AMNI) and examined how participation in this educational pathway shaped students' perceptions of future employment opportunities. TCUs play a critical role in advancing tribal sovereignty, workforce development, and economic self-determination; however, limited access to diverse employment opportunities on or near tribal lands continues to constrain economic mobility for many tribal citizens. Guided by tribal critical race theory (TribalCrit) and informed by a social constructivist paradigm, this study investigated student experiences, enrollment decision making, and perceptions of advanced manufacturing as a career pathway. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 11 Native American TCU students and supporting faculty or staff at a TCU in the western United States. The researcher worked with the emerging themes to explore the following questions: (1) What are the experiences of Native American TCU students enrolled in the Advanced Manufacturing Network Initiative educational pathway?, (2) How do students decide to enroll in the Advanced Manufacturing Network Initiative?, and (3) How do students perceive the Advanced Manufacturing Network Initiative educational pathway in relation to future employment opportunities? Findings indicated that participation in advanced manufacturing strengthened students' academic confidence, fostered creative and technical self-understanding, and expanded awareness of advanced manufacturing as a viable career option. Enrollment decisions were influenced by direct encouragement from faculty and peers, access to high-quality laboratory equipment, financial incentives, and expectations of acquiring employable skills. Participants generally perceived advanced manufacturing as offering meaningful employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Additionally, many expressed concern about aligning the field with tribal values, including environmental stewardship. The findings suggest that advanced manufacturing represents a promising, culturally responsive pathway to workforce development that expands economic opportunity, and honors tribal sovereignty and cultural values. Keywords: Native American, Tribal Colleges and Universities, advanced manufacturing, resilience, economic development
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Details
- Title
- A case study exploring the experiences of Native American tribal college and university students enrolled in advanced manufacturing through the Advanced Manufacturing Network Initiative educational pathway
- Creators
- Amy Prichard Tutt
- Contributors
- José L. Chávez (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University
- Number of pages
- xii, 109 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991022170451504721