FAQs about Golden Key

What is Golden Key?

Golden Key is a mission focused, values based and demographics driven organization. It is a global community of academic achievers that provides opportunities for individual growth through leadership, career development, networking, and service. Membership into the Society is by invitation only, to the top 15 percent of college sophomore, juniors, seniors, and graduate students in all fields of study, based solely on the objective criteria of their academic achievements.

Mission: To enable members to realize their potential. We do this by connecting individual achievement with service and lifelong opportunity.

Values: Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, Respect, Diversity, Excellence, Engagement.

Vision 2011: 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.

Strategic Objectives (2006-2011):
  • Grow the Golden Key Community
  • Maximize value to student members, advisors, recent alumni and partners
  • Build internal capacity to deliver quality and value consistently
  • Make a difference in society through education-related service

Why should I join Golden Key?

Membership in Golden Key International Honour Society is a prestigious opportunity for the academic elite. The Society offers members a valuable opportunity for leadership, career development, networking, and community service. In addition, a number of scholarships and awards are available for members to apply as well as special discount programs with participating vendors such as Princeton ReviewTest Prep and Bank of America.

Must I be involved in activities to be a Golden Key member?

No, Golden Key was founded on the principle that any student who meets the established academic criteria can become a member and access the many benefits offered. Participation is highly encouraged and purely voluntary. Golden Key does provide, however, one of the best networks of opportunities to actively participate at the local, regional, national, and even international level. Thousands of Golden Key members have utilized the opportunities in Golden Key to develop their leadership skills, engage in community service, and enhance their personal network.

Does it cost anything to join Golden Key?

Members pay a one-time membership fee that provides access to a variety of benefits. A portion of each member fee is sent to the local chapter to support its activities. The balance is retained at the Golden Key headquarters to provide exceptional service to chapters and members via activities such as annual mailings of membership invitations, development of benefits, dedicated staff support on campus, materials for induction ceremonies, publications, and more. There is no fee to the institution for establishing and retaining a Golden Key chapter on campus.

How is the membership fee used?

The membership fee is shared between the local chapter and the international headquarters. The one-time-only fee funds membership benefits and supports local chapters in a variety of ways including scholarships, induction ceremonies and receptions, publications, conferences and conventions, local academic, service and social activities and headquarters support to chapters.

Who are Golden Key members?

Golden Key membership has grown to a very large network of about 1.7 million members from seven countries. Members include teachers, doctors, engineers, university presidents, social workers, entrepreneurs, politicians, military leaders, and many more. Well known Golden Key lifetime members include: Elizabeth Dole, John Grisham, Colin Powell, Bill Clinton, and John Glenn.

How many Golden Key Chapters exist today?

GApproximately 350 Golden Key chapters exist at universities and colleges in Australia, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, South Africa, United Arab Emitates, United States of America, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Please visit the chapter directory to find out if your country and/or state have a Golden Key chapter.