Click here for ACT-SO form

 

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ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics)

WHAT IS ACT-SO?

ACT-SO is an acronym for Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics. ACT-SO is an enrichment program designed to recruit, stimulate, improve and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African-American high school students. The ACT-SO program centers around the dedication and commitment of community volunteers and business leaders to serve as mentors and coaches to promote academic and artistic excellence among African-American students. There are 25 categories of competition in the sciences, humanities, performing and visual arts.

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. ACT-SO receives support from schools, community organizations, churches, foundations, private corporations and individuals.

WHO FOUNDED ACT-SO?

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

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?

African-American high school students, who are citizens of the United States, enrolled in grades 9

through 12 and are amateurs in the categories of competition. Students must compete in a local ACT-SO program to qualify for the National ACT-SO competition.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN ACT-SO?

ACT-SO, above all, is a learning experience, in which scholarships and prizes are awarded. At the national level, gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded along with cash scholarships of $1,000, $750 and $500 in each category, in addition to many other awards, scholarships and prizes. Local winners are awarded certificates and many other prizes. Participants develop new skills and enhance their ability with each ACT-SO pursuit.

 

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WHEN DOES THE ACT-SO PROGRAM BEGIN?
Local competitions usually take place between March and May. Contestants who win gold medals on the local level qualify to attend the National ACT-SO competition, which takes place in early July at the Annual NAACP Convention.

HOW CAN A STUDENT APPLY AND GET ADDITIONAL INFORMATION?
Contact your local NAACP Branch office for information regarding applications for the program at the address below or click on ACT-SO Form.

Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP 
PO Box 2349
Hollywood, CA 90078
Phone: (323)464.7616 Fax: (323)464.1927