The first Key Club was sponsored in May, 1925, at Sacramento High School in California by the Kiwanis club of Sacramento. The novel purpose was to create a guidance program designed to contend with the problems of student fraternities of the time. However, an idea of a student service organization evolved and spread throughout the United States. In 1939, the service organization 'idea' having propagated throughout the area, Florida held a state convention and formed the first Key Club District. Districts in other states followed Florida's example, which resulted in the creation of what is now known as Key Club International. Soon hereafter, clubs started appearing at a significant rate; among these, the first Canadian key club was founded in 1943.

During 1949, the Kiwanis Club of McAllen chartered the Key Club of McAllen; from this initial charter, the Texas-Oklahoma District was formed and has grown immensely over the years. To further establish itself, the Key Club International Constitution and Bylaws were adopted in that same year. Even today, Key Club International continues to grow at an astounding rate, with clubs in Aruba, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Netherlands Antilles, the Philippines, Taiwan, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, Bermuda, Panama, and New Caledonia.

Key Club is an international, student-led organization providing its members with opportunities to perform service, build character, and develop leadership.

To develop competent, capable, and caring leaders through the vehicle of service.

I pledge on my honor to uphold the Objects of Key Club International; to build my home, school, and community; to serve my nation and God; and combat all forces which tend to undermine these institutions.

"Caring- Our Way of Life."