On January 13, 1913, twenty two women chartered Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated at Howard University in Washington, D.C.  The founders envisioned an organization of college women pledged to serious endeavor and community service.  These youthful students demonstrated a vital concern for social welfare, academic excellence, and cultural enrichment, while de-emphasizing the social side of sorority life.  Their ideas of scholarship and service has withstood the test of time, and today, Delta Sigma Theta is a public service organization, providing programs and services to promote human welfare.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a private non profit organization whose sole purpose is to provide services and programs to promote human welfare.  Delta was founded on three basic principles scholarship, public service, and sisterhood. 

Since the inception of the Alpha chapter, Delta Sigma Theta has not only spread nationwide, but also worldwide with chapters in West Germany, Japan, Bermuda, Haiti, Liberia, the Virgin Islands, the Bahamas and Korea.