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.

Source: Golden Key International Honor Society Website