ACT-SO Achievement Program
Pursue your creative talents and academic dreams with purpose and unrestricted passion.
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Explore your passions
Each year, high school students across the country start a journey to sharpen their skills through the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO). From visual arts and business to performing and culinary arts, participants work with community-based volunteers for a year to develop projects and performances. The experience culminates in local and national events where students compete for scholarships and other rewards.
Get with the program
August: Local programs, hosted by NAACP units, kick-off annual ACT-SO activities.
September-March: Local programs conduct mentoring and scholastic enrichment activities.
April: Local programs host ACT-SO competitions. Gold medalists (those with scores between 95-100 in their category) are invited to compete on a national level.
April-July: Students continue their local mentorship and enrichment programs to prepare for the national competition.
July: Winners from the local competitions compete at the National Competition and Ceremonies, held every July in conjunction with the NAACP National Convention.
2025 ACT-SO Medalists
Join us in congratulating the 2025 ACT-SO medalists who participated in the 48th ACT-SO Competition.
Unified and Unlimited With ACT-SO
I can't think of any other program that has played a bigger part in preparing me for my future the way ACT-SO has. Â
- Taylor C. 2018-20 ACT-SO alumni, East St. Louis. Categories: Drawing, Entrepreneurship, Filmmaking and Original EssayAn enduring legacy of Black excellence
ACT-SO aims to:
Recognize creative talent and academic achievement in the next generation of leaders.
Provide and assist students with the necessary skills to establish goals and acquire the confidence and training to make a successful contribution to society.
Mobilize adults to promote academic and artistic excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
All you need to know about the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics program.
Volunteer With Us!
ACT-SO takes a village. ACT-SO alumni, local branches, volunteers, and sponsors ensure a fulfilling experience for young participants. Check with your local NAACP branch or contact us for more information to support and volunteer with ACT-SO.
Phone: (410) 580-5777
Email: actso@naacpnet.org
ACT-SO is synonymous with success. It is my sincerest hope that every ACT-SO participant takes risks in the safe, creative, and nurturing space ACT-SO provides. Chart your course. Share your story. Change the world. Â
- Larry Brown, Jr. National Director, NAACP ACT-SOOverview
The Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) is a year-round achievement program designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African American high school students. The National ACT-SO Competition is the exciting culmination of this effort, held annually during the NAACP National Convention, where students compete for scholarships, prizes, and recognition.Â