What is ACT-SO?

ACT-SO is acronym for Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics. ACT-SO is a yearlong 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 26 categories of competition in the sciences, humanities, performing and visual arts and business.

Who sponsors ACT-SO?

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

What Are The Benefits Of Participating In ACT-SO?

The ACT-SO program is intended to be a learning experience, first and foremost.  The focus of a viable and effective local ACT-SO program is on enrichment and mentorship. Students work with ACT-SO mentors who help them develop projects throughout the year.  Local ACT-SO programs also provide ACT-SO students with enrichment opportunities such as workshops, tutorials, and field trips.  The benefits ACT-SO students receive from the enrichment and mentorship components include substantial assistance toward the development of their ACT-SO projects and valuable tools to assist them throughout their education. The local competition serves to showcase the hard work students have put in all year long.  Students receive medals and prizes provided by local and regional sponsors and contributors.  ACT-SO students who receive gold medals on the local level then compete at the Nationals Competition where they college scholarships and other rewards provided by national sponsors.