BETA BASICS:
A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE
BETA is the largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization in America. Committed to recognizing high academic achievement, rewarding and nurturing worthy character, National Beta fosters leadership skills and encourages service to others.
Founded in 1934 by John W. Harris, Ed., National Beta has worked with nearly seven million students in grades 5-8 (Junior Beta Chapter) and grades 9-12 (Senior Beta Chapter). There are now more than 500,000 active members and more than 8,750 chapters nationally and internationally. As a student-centered organization, National Beta seeks ways to develop and nurture elementary and secondary school students by providing opportunities and experiences that demonstrate the ideals of achievement, character, leadership and service. National Beta affords schools many benefits. Foremost, National Beta is an internationally recognized honor society that celebrates students’ academic achievements.
National Beta is founded on the the following four pillars:
ACHIEVEMENT - Recognizing and honoring high academic achievement
CHARACTER - Preparing students for life and empowering them to be successful
LEADERSHIP - Developing the leaders of tomorrow
SERVICE - Demonstrating our motto: Let Us Lead by Serving Others