The Center for California Studies is a public education, public service, and applied research unit of Sacramento State. Founded in 1982 and located on the capital campus of the California State University (CSU), the Center possesses a unique trust: to bring the resources of the state’s largest university system to the service of public discourse, civic education, and state government.

The Center performs functions integral to the mission of the CSU. It fulfills a public service role inherent in the responsibilities of a public university. It encourages research and creative activities in support of the University’s instructional mission. It provides resources for the preparation of California students for life in a multi-ethnic world.