What is Circle K?

Circle K International is the world's largest collegiate organization dedicated to service, fellowship, and leadership - with more than 500 clubs worldwide in 9 countries. It is not the size of the organization, however, which gives it its identity or provides it with its primary source of pride and satisfaction. Rather, it's the mission and the objects of the organization that set CKI apart from other student organizations.

CKI is a service organization through which college students can find a means of responsible student action in their communities and a more active involvement in the life of their campus. College is more than a pursuit for a scholastic degree -- it offers good times, getting to know others, personal development, and meaningful contributions to the world. CKI provides a unique opportunity to make a difference now -- CKI is the total college experience.

Circle K International began as a Kiwanis club service project to provide opportunities for capable, ambitious, and worthy young men to acquire a college education by assisting them, where necessary, with their financial problems; by means of a scholarship fund, if available, or securing part-time employment. Additionally, affording its members a useful training in the social graces and the development of a well-rounded personality were focus areas for CKI. Soon after the concept of Circle K was recognized and accepted, the element of community service was introduced, thus creating and appealing outlet for collegians around the globe. In 1936, CKI was instituted as a fraternity at Washington State University by the Kiwanis Club of Pullman, Washington. The idea started with Jay N. Emerson, who was later elected Kiwanis International President. His interest led to the building of the first CKI club in 1947 at Carthage College, Illinois.

Other Kiwanians became interested, and during the next eight years 168 CKI clubs were started in the United States and Canada. In October 1955 representatives from these clubs met in Philadelphia and voted to form an international organization under the sponsorship of Kiwanis. In 1956, a special department was created in the Kiwanis International Office to serve as the International Headquarters for CKI.