National Beta Club
What is the history of the National Beta Club?
Beta is an academic honors program with a strong emphasis on leadership and community service. It was founded in 1934 by Dr. John W. Harris, a Wofford College professor. Its motto is "Let Us Lead By Serving Others." Traditionally, students are awarded membership based on their grades (GPA), or test scores and character traits. Each individual school chooses what items they will look at for their chapter's member qualifications.
The Junior Division of The National Beta Club, begun in 1961, is for students in 4th through 8th grade. The Senior Division of Beta is for 9th through 12th graders. There are more than 500,000 active Betas in the Senior and Junior divisions and over 7 million alumni.
What are the requirements to be in the National Beta Club?
Requirements of student membership are solely qualitative within the scope and regulations specified in these Bylaws. A student must be a member in good standing of a Beta Club at his/her current school of attendance to be considered an active National Beta Club member. Only active members may participate in state and national competitions and become candidates for and hold state and national office. Membership is a privilege and not a right. The qualifications for membership on the part of the student shall be: (a) worthy, moral and ethical character; (b) exemplary achievement, and commendable attitude. The standards and means for appraising these qualities shall be determined by the administration of the school where the chapter is located.
All students must be performing at or above grade level in order to be eligible for membership. Local school administrations are at liberty to limit membership to certain grades. Specific academic requirements for membership are not established at the national level, as local systems of grading and merit determination vary. Each local school and club shall establish such academic requirements for membership that will insure the selection of students of exemplary qualifications. Students who receive modifications or accommodations pursuant to an IEP, a Section 504 plan, or otherwise shall not be excluded from membership if they meet the membership qualifications.
What are the key benefits of being a member of the National Beta Club?
ACHIEVEMENT - Recognizing and honoring high academic achievement
CHARACTER - Preparing young people for life and empowering them to be successful
LEADERSHIP - Developing the leaders of tomorrow
SERVICE - Demonstrating the motto: Let Us Lead by Serving Others
Based on the information, here is our review:
Our first observation is: that this society doesn’t list many tangible membership benefits, at least not in a readily available section of their site.
Our second observation was: that this society doesn’t list a specific GPA requirement, as it is all relative and they seem content allowing the University to determine what “good standing” means.
Our third observation was: that this society seems to focus more on moral values than a GPA requirement, showcasing the society’s properties.
