The Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) is an internationally recognized nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to promote access, equity, and mutual understanding for linguistically and culturally diverse people around the world. Presently, CAL houses major federally funded projects on English language learning, foreign languages, language policy, language assessment, and literacy education. Research and application efforts focus on diverse areas of language education, language policy, assessment, and training. CAL has an annual operating budget of approximately $17 million, with a workforce of approximately 80 staff members.

CAL has focused its efforts largely on language education and assessment, and on issues of equity and access for language minority populations. In recent years, CAL has broadened its focus in response to private sector needs in the areas of workplace literacy and linguistic diversity in the workplace.