DO YOU KNOW ACT-SO?

ACT-SO stands for Afro Academic Cultural Technological Scientific Olympics. “Olympics of the Mind”

ACT-SO is a major initiative of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).  Founded in 1978, by renowned author and journalist Vernon Jarrett, ACT-SO provides a forum through which youth of African descent can demonstrate academic, artistic, and scientific prowess and expertise, thereby gaining the same recognition often only reserved for entertainers and athletes.

ACT-SO is rooted in the firm conviction that African Americans can succeed and compete at the same or superior levels as their counterparts in classrooms, boardrooms, and laboratories across this nation and abroad.  The mission of ACT-SO is to prepare, recognize, and reward, youth of African descent who exemplify scholastic and artistic excellence.

High School students who are citizens of the United States, enrolled in grades 9-12 and are amateurs in the categories of competition are eligible to participate.  Each year local ACT-SO units across America host local competitions in their respective states.  There are over 30 areas of competition in 6 major categories.  STEM, Humanities, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Business, and Culinary.  Students compete and receive medals to determine who will represent the local ACT-SO unit during the National Competition. Gold medal winners go on to represent the local units at the national competition. Students who medal at the local competition also receive cash awards and certificates.

There are many benefits of participating in ACT-SO.  ACT-SO is a valuable learning experience for its students first and foremost.  A major focus of the ACT-SO program is to provide enrichment and mentorship to the youth it serves.  ACT-SO students work with mentors, coaches and professionals who help them develop projects throughout the year in preparation for the local and national competitions. Students who compete at the national competition have opportunities for scholarships and other rewards provided by national sponsors. 

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