The SCA has two main purposes: to promote partnership among archaeologists working in California, and to bridge the gap between archaeologists and the citizens of California.  Each of these purposes is broken down into five main objectives.  For the first purpose, partnership, the objectives are as follows:

  • stimulate research
  • promote archaeological standards and goals
  • encourage the development of improved methodologies for the recovery, preservation, and interpretation of archaeological remains
  • conduct symposia
  • publish research

For the second purpose, bridging the gap, the objectives are:

  • stimulating public interest and understanding
  • provide educational information concerning archaeology for the public
  • encourage conservation of archaeological remains
  • discourage the exploitation of archaeological recources
  • increase public appreciation and support