WHAT IS ACT-SO?

ACT-SO is a yearlong youth achievement program sponsored by the NAACP designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among high school students of African descent. The program relies on the dedication local NAACP branches and the commitment of community and business leaders who volunteer as mentors and coaches to promote academic and artistic excellence. Through this collaborative effort, participating students develop the confidence and skills needed to excel in school and in life.

WHAT ARE THE CATEGORIES OF COMPETITION? 

The local ACT-SO Competitions and Award Ceremonies showcase the results of the students’ hard work. Competition winners receive medals and prizes provided by local and regional sponsors and contributors. Local Gold Medalists advance to the National Competition and compete against more than 800-900 gold medalists representing approximately 200 NAACP Branches nationwide and have the opportunity to receive scholarships and other rewards provided by national sponsors.

For more details, click here to view the competition description and point requirements. 

WHO SPONSORS ACT-SO?

ACT-SO is sponsored by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization, and receives support from schools, local businesses, community organizations, churches, foundations, major corporations and individuals.

WHO FOUNDED ACT-SO?

Vernon Jarrett (1918-2004), a renowned author and journalist, initiated the idea of a program that would promote and reward academic achievers the same way sports heroes are honored. The first national ACT SO competition, an Olympics of the Mind, was held in 1978 in Portland, Oregon.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?

Students of African descent who are U.S. citizens enrolled in grades 9-12 and are amateurs in the competition categories are eligible to participate. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN ACT-SO?

The ACT-SO program is first and foremost a learning experience culminating with both a local and national competition. Throughout the year, students work with local volunteer instructors, coaches and mentors to develop projects and performances specific to their competition category. Additionally participants receive youth enrichment opportunities, including workshops, tutorials, and field trips. 

ACT-SO TIMELINE 

ACT-SO currently includes 32 categories of competition in the sciences, humanities, business, performing and visual arts, and local and national entrepreneurship/culinary competitions. 

LOCAL ACTIVITIES 

• • August / September: Local programs kick off annual ACT-SO activities
  • September through March/April: Local programs conduct mentoring and enrichment activities 
  • February/April: Local programs host ACT-SO competitions 

NATIONAL COMPETITION 

• • March/April through July: Students continue their local mentorship and enrichment programs to prepare for the National Competition.
  • July: Annual activities culminate with National Competition and Awards Ceremony

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ACT-SO 

Log onto the NAACP website at www.naacp.org/act-so. 

 

ACT-SO: DISCOVER, BELIEVE, MANIFEST.