The mission of the Hutchins Institute for Public Policy Studies and Community Action is to promote discussions about environmental and socio-economic issues on and off campus, and to facilitate research and projects on these topics.

In keeping with this mission, the Hutchins Institute sponsors the following programs:

A Liberal Studies Degree Completion Program:
Featuring Saturday seminars and weekly on-line discussions. Students remain in the same cohort for four semesters in the interests of creating a vibrant learning community.

Action for a Viable Future:
A Master's program emphasizing the interrelationships among three themes: ecological issues, economic/social justice issues, and the moral and psychological dimensions of change. The action projects completed by Master's students add a public policy dimension to the Center.

Action for a Viable Future Project Titles

College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP):
Recruitment and support of first year college migrant or seasonal students at Sonoma State University, Santa Rosa Junior College, and Napa Valley Community College.

Civic Engagement Among Latino Youth in Sonoma County:
A research project to determine the levels of civic engagement among Latino high school students.

The Student Congress:
A high school-based project that promotes Socratic seminars among underserved high school students.

Northern California Earth Institute:
To promote discussion groups based on a series of five group study guides on various topics relating to sustainability.

The Association of Hutchins Alumni (AHA):
A network of individuals interested in life-long learning, featuring occasional seminar reunions and the Alumni Book Club.

The Hutchins Institute invites the submission of proposals to promote activities that are in keeping with its mission. Anyone interested in participating in any of the above current activities or wishing to propose new projects should contact the Director.