In the early 1930's, Dr. John West Harris founded what is now known as Beta Club in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Dr. Harris wanted to found a club that would recognize the achievements of students that took that extra step in their schoolwork, community, and in their family life. He thought above average students deserved some credit for their extra efforts. As you can tell he accomplished his goal and more. Since 1934, Beta Club has grown substantially and now has more than 600,000 active members and over four and a half million alumni. Beta serves students in fifth grade through twelfth.

Each State Beta Club holds a convention every year to recognize students in their best areas. Competitions such as Creative Writing, English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Spelling, Oratory, Quiz Bowl, Scrapbook, Banner or Web Page all provide a chance to prove our skills. While at convention, you also have the opportunity to meet hundreds or even thousands of other Beta Club members and share experiences that you surely will never forget.

Attend any Beta Club meeting across the country and you will find a group of very close, yet very individual people. Success is something that everyone is able to achieve. Through being a member of the Beta Club, we have learned that we cannot all achieve success in the same ways. However, through the Beta Club we have also learned that as individuals we all have something very important we can each contribute to our society.