Today, NYC ACT-SO is under-funded and operated entirely by volunteers. In the first instance, the program requires money to run simply as it does today. Beyond this need, additional funds would permit the employment of a full time professional staff, which would improve every aspect of NYC ACT-SO. Specifically, each high school in the city could be monitored and recruitment of coaches and judges could be enhanced. Additionally, the organization might be in a position to provide other services, such as scholarship guidance and job referral for participants.

America’s competitiveness and economic stability in the 21st century depend upon improving the quality of education and employment potential of every sector of our population; New York City cannot afford to throw away another generation of African-American youth. Money invested in ACT-SO does triple duty by

(i) positively influencing the lives of its participants;
(ii) “changing the culture” of the communities from which those participants come; and
(iii) enhancing the quality of New York City’s 21st century workforce.

ACT-SO operates under the administrative aegis of the NAACP, which serves as the fiscal conduit to the local ACT-SO programs but does not provide funding. However, it provides technical assistance and program guidelines; and, hosts the national “Olympics of the Mind” at the annual NAACP convention. While NYC ACT-SO does great work with its present resources, it could do even more with your help. NYC ACT-SO is a not-for-profit organization, having an IRS 501(C)(3) tax exempt designation.

Your contribution to NYC ACT-SO is 100% tax deductible and goes to direct program support. All contributions should be made payable to New York City ACT-SO, Inc.

How you can help NYC ACT-SO?

By contributing funds to support NYC ACT-SO’s operating expenses
By including NYC ACT-SO in your corporate giving program
By providing in-kind support
By providing additional prizes for Academic Competition winners
By providing job and internship opportunities to current students and alumni
By becoming a volunteer student recruiter, coach or judge
By donating your professional skills (i.e. graphic design, printing, etc.)
By suggesting others who might be able to assist us

How can NYC ACT-SO help you?

NYC ACT-SO endeavors to develop mutually beneficial partnerships with corporate and other sponsors tailored to their philanthropic concerns. By its nature, NYC ACT-SO provides the opportunity for significant personal involvement by sponsors and donors. In addition to providing funds and in-kind gifts, a corporate sponsor could, for instance, recruit coaches and volunteers from among its workforce. We also welcome the opportunity to expose our students to sponsors’ enterprises through internships, field trips or other means.

And, for NYC ACT-SO donors and supporters who appreciate favorable publicity and visibility, there are sponsorship opportunities available especially with the Olympics-style Academic Competition and the Annual Awards Ceremony.