Final answer:
The academic excellence standard for Zeta Phi Beta began with its foundation in 1920, reflecting the sorority's mission to promote scholarship and uplift the community.
Step-by-step explanation:
The standard of academic excellence for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, has its roots in the founding principles of the organization, which emphasize the importance of scholarship. Since its establishment in 1920 at Howard University, Zeta Phi Beta has made educational advancement one of its core ideals. This commitment is consistent with the broader historical trend of African American Greek organizations, known collectively as the Divine Nine, pooling their intellectual resources to foster academic success and uplift within their communities.
Although specific historical documentation regarding the exact date when the standard of academic excellence began is not readily provided in the provided references, the collective movement towards academic distinction among sororities such as Zeta Phi Beta was clearly in place during their early development in the 20th century.