The benefits of Golden Key membership go far beyond academic recognition. In fact, Golden Key provides more tangible benefits than any other college honor society. Member benefits range from scholarships and development opportunities to jobs and internships. Through Golden Key, members are empowered with tools to help them realize their potential.
What is Golden Key
Golden Key International Honour Society, founded on 29 November 1977, is an academic honor society which recognizes and encourages scholastic achievement and excellence among college and university students from all academic disciplines. In an effort to reflect the Society's diversity and international presence, Golden Key uses the globally accepted spelling of "honour" in its name.
Golden Key has emerged as one of the most dynamic, forward-thinking organizations in higher education. Committed to an ethos of recognizing academic achievement and encouraging altruistic service, the Society’s on-campus presence has reached over 360 chapters at colleges and universities in seven countries: Australia, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.
The Society awards its members over $400,000 (USD) annually through numerous scholarship and award programs. Members are also connected to exclusive career opportunities and assistance through Golden Key's partnerships with major corporations and graduate programs. The Society provides campus and community service opportunities enabling personal growth and leadership development as well as collaborating with university faculty and administrators to develop and maintain high standards of education.
The Society maintains active membership in several organizations including the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS), the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC), the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), the National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA) and the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO).
The Society is pleased to have more than 8,000 Honorary members of the organization involved with the Society. Honorary members are elected by local Golden Key chapters and are individuals who are active on campus or in the community. These Honorary members reflect the qualities and values of Golden Key members and are active in areas of scholarship, leadership or service. Some of our Honorary members include:
-Roberta Bondar, Canada's First Female Astronaut
-Bill Cosby, Entertainer
-The Most Reverend Desmond M. Tutu
-Anglican Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town
-Ronald W. Reagan, Former US President
-Ian Thorpe, Olympic Gold Medalist
-Elie Wiesel, Nobel Laureate and Author
Golden Key is incorporated as a nonprofit organization under Section 501 (c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code.
We invite you to contact Golden Key International Headquarters or any of our staff or volunteer leaders to learn more about Golden Key.
Why Join Golden Key?
Academic Recognition
-Recognition by the largest and most active international honor society
-Induction ceremony and reception honoring new members held on campus each year
-Personalized membership certificate and press release announcement
-Graduation honor cords, stoles, pins and pendants available for purchase
Scholarships
-Over $400,000 (USD) awarded annually in undergraduate and graduate scholarships
-Scholarship programs in the arts, business, education, engineering, research, study abroad, service and more
-More than four million dollars in scholarships awarded to date
Career Assistance
-Exclusive internship and employment opportunities through Golden Key's corporate and nonprofit partners
-Golden Key online career library provides employment information and job listings
Resume Building
-Listing membership in Golden Key promotes distinction as a scholar and as a high achiever
-Assists with graduate program applications and career placement
Leadership Opportunities
-Student-run chapters on each campus under the able guidance of dedicated faculty/staff advisor(s)
-International conferences, regional conferences and leadership roundtables
Local, regional and international leadership positions
Community Service Opportunities
-Chapter, regional and international community service programs
-Partnerships with numerous nonprofit organizations worldwide
Publications
-Monthly electronic newsletter with Golden Key news, updates on new membership benefits, job announcements and more
-Press releases sent to each new member, scholarship winners and news makers
-Published articles referencing Golden Key, our members and affiliates
Networking Worldwide
-Over 360 chapters in Australia, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and the United States
-Membership network of more than 1.7 million high achievers, accomplished university faculty and staff, and business leaders
-Access to Golden Key's international chapter directory
Mission, Vision & Values
Golden Key is a mission focused, values based and demographics driven organization. With 30 years of rich tradition, Golden Key remains committed to scholarship, career development, leadership and service. Our mission defines who we are; our core values provide us guidance in executing our activities; and our history reminds us that nearly two million members are counting on us to shape the future through our strategic planning process.
Mission: To enable members to realize their potential.
Vision: Golden Key is the world's premier honor society. We recognize academic excellence and provide tangible value to our student members, advisors, recent alumni and partners while positively impacting their lives and society.
Values: Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, Respect, Diversity, Excellence, Engagement.