Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society is the only national organization for high school juniors and seniors that recognizes excellence in the field of Social Studies. Any accredited public high school or non-secondary school can apply for a local chapter, through which individuals will be inducted into Rho Kappa Honor Society. Rho Kappa provides national recognition and opportunities for exploration in the social studies. Through its sponsorship of Rho Kappa, National Council for the Social Studies hopes to encourage an interest in, understanding of, and appreciation for the social studies. Rho Kappa was first established in 2000 by The Florida Council for the Social Studies (FCSS), an affiliate of the NCSS. Prior to FCSS founding RHO KAPPA, many national high school honor societies began popping up in various other fields, but not in the social studies. NCSS saw a need for a national student award program that recognized students for their achievement in required and elective social studies courses. Working off of the FCSS initial idea the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) began RHO KAPPA Social Studies Honor Society in 2011.