What is ACT-SO?
ACT-SO – the Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics, is a youth program under the administrative aegis of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). ACT-SO is a yearlong enrichment program designed to encourage high academic and cultural achievement among underserved minority high school students.
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NAACP ACT-SO
ACT-SO is a major youth 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 African-American youth can demonstrate academic, artistic and scientific prowess and expertise, thereby gaining the same recognition often only reserved for entertainers and athletes.
Video: I AM ACT-SO! NAACP ACT-SO CHAMPIONS
“ACT-SO can become one of the best youth programs in the city”
High School students prepare in up to three of 29 offerings after school during the school year. The program culminates with the “Olympics of the Mind” competition and awards ceremony which give the students an opportunity to showcase their projects and to be recognized for their achievements.
STEM
Architecture
Biology/Microbiology
Chemistry/Biochemistry
Computer Science
Earth and Space Sciences
Engineering
Mathematics
Medicine and Health
Physics
Performing Arts
Dance – Ballet
Dance – Contemporary
Dance – Modern
Dance – Traditional
Dramatics
Music Instrumental – Classical
Music Instrumental – Contemporary
Music Vocal – Classical
Music Vocal – Contemporary
Oratory
Poetry – performance
Humanities
Music Composition
Original Essay
Playwriting
Poetry – written
Short Story
Visual Art
Drawing
Filmmaking
Painting
Photography
Sculpture
Business
Entrepreneurship
Culinary
Culinary Arts