Alpha Sigma Tau's national philanthropy is the Pine Mountain Settlement School in eastern Kentucky. Pine Mountain began as a school to educate destitute children not only the basic skills of reading and writing, but also how to cultivate land and grow as people. The school was founded in 1913 by William Creech, who donated most of the resources and land, and Katherine Pettit, who had started a similar school in another region. Creech, who came to be known as "Uncle" William to the children and staff at the school, took special care to establish a school that would help alleviate the problems he was seeing in society around him - drunkenness and general debauchery.

The school has evolved over the decades, and now is a place both adults and children can enjoy. Nestled in a beautiful location surrounded by wildlife, the school is now a meeting place for many local events, including religious services and community get-togethers. The school is environmentally friendly and offers programs designed to teach about the environment and how it can be preserved.

Alpha Sigma Tau became affiliated with the Pine Mountain Settlement School in 1945, when it became the official philanthropy. It had been suggested by Carrie Staehle of the Alpha Chapter and then further researched by the first National Social Service Chairman, Lucile Steen, who decided to make it the national service project.

The bond between Alpha Sigma Tau and Pine Mountain is stronger than ever, thanks to countless donations made by alumnae and local chapters around the country.

For more information about Pine Mountain, visit their website at http://www.pinemountainsettlementschool.com