Problem Statement. There is a growing need and demand for the "knowledge worker" within the business community. The limited amount of research on the role and impact of public universities suggests the need for addressing the training and workforce development needs of private industry. Purpose. The purpose of this study was fourfold: (a) expand the understanding and awareness of the types of corporate training and workforce development services provided by public universities; (b) determine the incumbent workforce that obtain these services; (c) determine the quantity and frequency of these services; and (d) uncover the benefits and challenges of the partnership. Theoretical Considerations. The theoretical framework of this study was based on the research foundations of Kamensky and Bulin's Network and Collaboration Theory, Mandell and Agranoff's Theories of Resource Dependence and Exchange, Galbraith and Scott's Contingency Theory, and Becker's Human Capital Theory. Methodology. The sample population involved in this study includes 15 continuing education units of the California State University (CSU) system. Subjects responded to two research instruments: (a) a survey assessing the types of corporate training programs, their characteristics, the occupation and level of incumbent workforce that participate in training programs, quantities and frequency of these services, organizational information, and the benefits and challenges of the public university and industry partnership; (b) Follow-up interviews clarifying the challenges and issues of corporate training programs and the public/private partnerships. Findings. Universities seek partnerships to leverage resources and expand revenue streams while corporations work with training providers who are close in proximity. The most important findings were that universities best understand their role in training partnerships if all levels of university leadership ensured the availability of all necessary resources that support training activities. Conclusions and Recommendations. The CSU continuing education units will present differences in the manner in which they conduct corporate training programs due to the variations in industry sectors and the economic climate of the environment. Despite these differences, the CSU continuing education units will reflect similarities in purpose of contract training, types of training offered most, challenges that hinder deliverance of training activities, and benefits of public/private partnerships. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]