Act-SO Achievement Program
EXPLORE YOUR PASSIONS
Each year, high school students across the country start a journey to sharpen their skills through the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO). From visual arts and business to performing and culinary arts, participants work with community-based volunteers for a year to develop projects and performances. The experience culminates in local and national events where students compete for scholarships and other rewards.
GET WITH THE PROGRAM
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August: Local programs, hosted by NAACP units, kick-off annual ACT-SO activities.
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September-March: Local programs conduct mentoring and scholastic enrichment activities.
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April: Local programs host ACT-SO competitions. Gold medalists (those with scores between 95-100 in their category) are invited to compete on a national level.
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April-July: Students continue their local mentorship and enrichment programs to prepare for the national competition.
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July: Winners from the local competitions compete at the National Competition and Ceremonies, held every July in conjunction with the NAACP National Convention.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
All you need to know about the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics program.
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What is ACT-SO?
ACT-SO was founded in 1978 by author and journalist Vernon Jarrett. The program is intended to provide recognition to young people who could demonstrate academic, scientific, and artistic achievement, allowing young people to gain recognition equal to that often achieved by entertainers and athletes.
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Who is eligible to participate in ACT-SO?
Students of African descent who are U.S. 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.
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What are the benefits of participating in ACT-SO?
The ACT-SO program is an enrichment program. Over the course of each 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 the students' hard work. Competition winners receive medals and prizes provided by the local and regional sponsors and contributors. The local Gold Medalists advance to the national competition and have the opportunity to receive scholarships and other rewards provided by national sponsors.
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What are some other participation opportunities in ACT-SO?
ACT-SO is a community-based program that provides multiple opportunities for involvement. Community members may participate as Chairpersons, mentors, sponsors, organizers, competitors, benefactors, educational partners, etc. The program receives support from schools, local businesses, community organizations, churches, foundations, major corporations, and individuals. For more detailed criteria and information about how to get involved, please contact the National ACT-SO office.