The Phi Beta Kappa Society

The Phi Beta Kappa Society, which sponsors The American Scholar, was founded on December 5, 1776, at the College of William and Mary. The organization has evolved to become the nation’s leading advocate for the liberal arts and sciences at the undergraduate level.

Phi Beta Kappa elects more than 15,000 new members a year from 270 chapters across the United States. It has more than 50 associations— groups made up of Phi Beta Kappa members—in cities across the United States. They support the ideals of the society through academic, social, and community programs.

The Society’s distinctive emblem, a gold key, is widely recognized as a symbol of academic achievement.