Its purpose is to promote academic achievement, character, leadership, and service among elementary and secondary school students.

The National Beta Club is the largest independent educational society for youths in the United States.

Headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the organization has more than 9,600 clubs nationally and more than 450,000 active members.

Dr. John W. Harris, a Wofford College professor, founded the National Honorary Beta Club as a co-educational high school academic honors program.

[1] His idea was to created an organization like Phi Beta Kappa, Kiwanis, and Rotary for high school students.

[1] With the permission of principals and superintendents, Harris presented his plan to local high school literary societies and their sponsors.

[2] Its charter members included:[2] The National Honorary Beta Club was registered in Kentucky by J. F. Drake, B.B.

[25] The National Beta Club is the largest independent educational society for youths in the United States.

[29] At the local level, clubs participate in community service and celebrate National Beta Week and Founders Day.

[29] The Beta Club hosts national conventions each summer for the Elementary, Junior, and Senior levels.