Our Mission
The Society recognizes and encourages excellence, among undergraduate and graduate students, in all aspects of English language, literature, and the many closely-related fields such as journalism, theatre, creative writing, media and film studies, communications, marketing, linguistics, and education, including literacy initiatives.
Our Vision: Transforming the World with Words
Sigma Tau Delta, International English Honor Society, was founded in 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan University. The Society strives to
- Confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature and related fields in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies;
- Provide, through its local chapters, cultural stimulation on college campuses and promote interest in literature, the English language, and related fields in surrounding communities;
- Foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, writing, and related fields;
- Promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members;
- Exhibit high standards of academic excellence; and
- Serve society by fostering literacy.
With over 770 active chapters located in the United States and abroad, there are more than 1,400 Faculty Advisors, and approximately 7,500 members inducted annually.
Sigma Tau Delta also recognizes the accomplishments of writers who have contributed to the fields of language and literature.
Our Values
In the more than 100 years since Sigma Tau Delta was formed, our organization has taken pride in our currency with trends in language, literature, and society. We recognize that language—with its capacity to communicate the experiences of others, its power to inform and create empathy—has changed and will continue to change the world. But language must be reinforced by action, and our efforts as a Society must embrace and benefit an increasingly diverse population of learners and educators where everyone is valued and included.
Our mission statement promises to support opportunities for leadership, scholarship, and fellowship among our members, through a variety of programs and initiatives. Through our annual convention and its Common Reader and speakers, we have celebrated scholars and texts at the forefront of social justice movements and challenges to the canon and that address difficult and sensitive topics of equity and inclusion. Panels at regional and international events have focused on issues of race and racism, LGBTQIA+ identity, gender, and inclusivity. We have tailored awards, scholarships, and merchandise toward serving marginalized populations.
While we have embraced diversity among our membership at the student, faculty, and administrative levels, we must be more direct concerning our initiatives. Our Strategic Plan reflects Sigma Tau Delta’s commitment to increasing diversity in our disciplines, to fostering equity among our members and our Society, and to creating a culture of inclusivity that moves beyond our organization and into the broader world. We continually seek new ways to ensure that our members and their needs feel both represented and addressed. As a Society, we are committed to improving access to diverse authors and scholars and their works through local, regional, and international events, including at conventions and in webinars. Our continued outreach to colleges and universities should increase the ways in which underrepresented populations participate within the organization. Similarly, our administration should better represent the diverse populations we seek to enroll and engage.
As we enter our second century, Sigma Tau Delta recognizes that the path forward relies on every voice joining in our efforts toward “Transforming the World with Words.”
Our Sponsorships and Partners
Language and literature shape how we understand the world—and ourselves. The English Honor Societies, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based at Northern Illinois University, exists to recognize, support, and inspire students who excel in English language arts at every stage of their academic journey. Through four distinguished, academic, and interconnected programs that span middle school, high school, community college, and university, the English Honor Societies fosters intellectual curiosity, creative expression, academic achievement, and social responsibility. Our mission is to build a global community of readers, writers, thinkers, and leaders who understand the transformative power of language—and use it to make a difference.
National English Honor Society (NEHS) was founded in 2005 to create transformative opportunities for high school student development through recognition of academic excellence, opportunities to demonstrate continued literary creativity and skill, and meaningful community service. Serving 85,000 dedicated students across the nation and in 36 countries, NEHS demonstrates remarkable success in fostering student growth—with 98.82% of graduating members pursuing further education. Our diverse community includes 47.6% minority students and 32.4% economically disadvantaged students, reflecting our commitment to providing opportunities across all backgrounds. NEHS empowers students by offering a range of literary programming, internships, opportunities to attend (and present at) academic conventions and by providing awards, grants, and scholarships that open pathways to higher education. Our comprehensive approach, combining recognition, service, and financial support, allows NEHS to cultivate confident communicators and engaged citizens who understand the power of language to create positive change.
Founded in 2024, the English Language Arts Honor Society (ELA) is our newest program and empowers middle school students during a critical stage of their development by nurturing their emerging talents in reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking. This program recognizes that early adolescence represents a pivotal moment for building confidence and academic identity, and provides young scholars with meaningful opportunities to apply their English language skills in real-world contexts that matter to them and their communities. Through age-appropriate service projects and literary skill-building activities, ELA students develop both academic competence and social responsibility. The program’s emphasis on skills application ensures that students see the immediate relevance and impact of their abilities.
Sigma Kappa Delta (ΣKΔ) provides essential pathways for community college students to excel academically and transition successfully to four-year institutions and professional careers. Established in 1996, this program uniquely addresses the needs of two-year college students by offering opportunities often unavailable at the community college level. Through programming that includes transfer preparation and scholarship opportunities, ΣKΔ bridges the gap between academic achievement and future success for students who may not have previously considered a four-year degree. The Society’s focus ensures that students gain the confidence and competencies essential for continued academic pursuit and career advancement in English-related fields and beyond.
Sigma Tau Delta, a certified member of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS) since 1972, meets the strict guidelines for organizational excellence and scholastic eligibility required for continued membership in ACHS. ACHS is the only certifying agency for college and university honor societies.
