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Pi Lambda Theta was founded in 1917 when seven groups of women on different American college campuses created honor societies in response to the creation of the strictly male Phi Delta Kappa honor society. Over the years it has become an international honor society and professional association in education. The association helps provide a select group of educators with financial and professional support, including various educational services. Washington State University's Pi Lambda Theta, Pi chapter was founded in 1921, originally organized as a chapter of the Honorary National Association for Women in Education. This particular organization promoted professional fellowship among women in education, advocated for changes in education within universities to adapt to women's involvement, and to encourage high standards of scholarship, research, and graduate work.