Each year high school students across the country start a journey to sharpen their skills through the NAACP’s Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO). From visual arts and business to performing and culinary arts, students work with community-based volunteers to develop projects and performances. The experience culminates in local and national events where students compete for scholarships and other rewards.
The ACT-SO program was founded by author and journalist Vernon Jarrett to provide recognition to young people who could demonstrate academic, scientific, and artistic achievement, allowing them to gain recognition equal to that often achieved by entertainers and athletes.
Students of African descent who are US citizens enrolled in grades 9–12 and are amateurs in the categories are eligible to participate. Participants in the annual national ACT-SO competition are chosen from the local competitions.
Over the course of a year, students work with local volunteer instructors and mentors to develop projects and participate in enrichment opportunities, including workshops, tutorials, and field trips specific to their competitions. The local ACT-SO competitions and ceremonies showcase the results of students’ hard work.
Competition winners receive medals and prizes provided by local and regional sponsors and contributors. The local Gold Medalists advance to the national competition where they will have the opportunity to receive scholarships and other rewards provided by national sponsors.
Since 2021, more than 300,000 young people have participated in the ACT-SO program. Interested youth should check with their local NAACP branch or contact ACT-SO for more information: actso@naacpnet.org